Category Archives: EDDC

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11 Apr 2016

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EDDC, EDDC HQ, Knowle/Honiton/Exmouth relocation, PegasusLife

Property deals: fewer and fewer places to hide

“Olympic bosses ordered to reveal West Ham stadium deal

Olympic Stadium bosses have been ordered to reveal details of their deal with West Ham United over the club’s use of the east London stadium.

The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) fought a London Assembly ruling that the contract should be made public. The appeal has been rejected by a separate tribunal.

West Ham are due to move to the Olympic Stadium at the end of the season.
The LLDC has the right to appeal against the latest decision.
It has not yet made a comment on the tribunal outcome.

West Ham’s vice-chairman Karren Brady has previously said she fought for the best deal, but has denied this was at the expense of taxpayers.
A fans’ group which called for the publication of the contract said it was “naturally delighted with the outcome”. …

… Football supporters first submitted a Freedom of Information request to obtain the tenancy agreement [West Ham and the Olympic stadium] amid claims the LLDC would subsidise the rent.

However, bosses appealed saying it would place them at a commercial disadvantage, undermine negotiations and reduce returns to the taxpayer.

In January, the London Assembly heard about £17,000 had been spent by the corporation to stop details of the deal being revealed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-36017396

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11 Apr 2016

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Devolution, East Devon economy, EDDC, Local Enterprise Partnership

Note to LEP: south-west economy has weakest growth after Scotland and the North-East

“The South West private sector’s economy has had one of the weakest rises in the UK, a report has revealed.

According to PMI survey data, business activity expanded at the slowest rate since April 2013, and growth was weaker than all other UK regions surveyed except Scotland and the North East, which both saw contractions.

The South West also registered a smaller rise in new business, and a further decline in backlogs.

However, employment growth has remained relatively solid in the region compared with others.

The seasonally adjusted Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking South West Business Activity Index fell to a 35-month low of 51.2 in March, from 52.6 in February. …

… The underlying weakness of business conditions in the private sector was emphasised by data on new business inflows, which increased only fractionally in March. In line with the trend for activity, the South West registered the slowest growth among the ten regions to record expansion.”

Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/South-West-economy-shows-weakest-rise-UK/story-29075658-detail/story.html

Our LEP is dedicated to growth in the South West. Millions of pounds is routed via our LEP to promote growth.

Something isn’t working.

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9 Apr 2016

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

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Reminder: Exmouth seafront poll – most polling stations ( but not all) announced including new ones

What a disgrace that new polling stations have been announced but no-one gets polling cards to know where they should go to vote.

And how can you justify saying you will announce another polling station next week?

The poll arrangements are ludicrous and might merit a complaint to the Electoral Commission. Not to mention being examined at an Exmouth Town Council or EDDC scrutiny committee.

Poll approaching on Exmouth seafront

More information has been released about an upcoming parish poll, concerning redevelopment plans for Exmouth seafront.

It will ask voters to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question ‘Should Exmouth Town Council recommend to East Devon District Council that before any further planning applications are approved with regard to the Queen’s Drive development area, that additional independent consultation should be carried out in addition to that required by the applicant and the Local Planning Authority?’

East Devon District Council is proposing new buildings and leisure facilities between the old lifeboat station and The Maer.

The poll was requested by Exmouth resident Malcolm Dodd and nine other electors, and was supported by a show of hands at the annual town meeting last month.

Mr Dodd is said to have sought advice from East Devon Returning Officer Mark Williams on what would be an acceptable question for the poll.

The outcome of the poll is not legally binding on the town council or the district council, which may decide not to take any action.

The poll will take place on Wednesday, April 20, between 4pm and 9pm. All Exmouth residents who are on the electoral register can take part in the poll.

Residents are reminded that no polling cards will be sent out and that there will be no facility for postal votes.

People will need to attend their usual polling station where the polling station staff will ask them for their name and address to check that they are registered to vote. They will then be given a ballot paper to complete.

Any Exmouth resident who is aged 18 and over and who was registered on the electoral register by March 16 this year is eligible to vote.

The polling stations are at All Saints Church Hall, Brixington Community Church, Clayton House Community Centre, Holy Ghost Church Hall, Littleham Community Hall, Palmer House, St John The Evangelist Church Hall, and Withycombe Rugby Club.

There are also two new polling stations at Littlemead Methodist Church, Roundhouse Lane, and The Kennaway Centre in Victoria Road.

Details of one further polling station are awaiting confirmation and will be publicised next week.

http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/election-2015/poll_approaching_on_exmouth_seafront_1_4485164

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8 Apr 2016

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Accountability, Asset sweating, EDDC, Exmouth, Knowle/Honiton/Exmouth relocation

Gremlins emerging in EDDC relocation plans

True to form, EDDC’s relocation project is not going entirely smoothly.

Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting (6 April) showed cracks already appearing, which the Leadership seemed to merrily paper over.

Long-term Exmouth councillors’ criticism of the planned design of their Town Hall renovation was treated with apparent amusement by Leader Paul Diviani and Chief Officers, Mark Williams and Richard Cohen.

Steve Gazzard (Lib Dem) said the proposed design was not flexible enough, a view echoed by his Tory counterparts, who complained of the “inadequacy of the space to be provided”, and were unhappy that “ all the memorabilia” has had to be taken down. They were also shocked at the possible prospect of having to book, or pay rent , for use of the Council Chamber.

Richard Cohen agreed that “Memorabilia is an issue”, and acknowledged the need for “an organised booking system”, and for what he called “the odd gremlin to be ironed out”. But he had no response to an exasperated Cllr Pauline Stott (Con, Exmouth), whose question showed that rather more than gremlins are involved.

It was proving very difficult, she said, to find alternative premises for staff obliged to move out so the Exmouth Town Hall renovation work could be done. (Estimated time 8-10 months, at a cost of £1m) .“How are YOU getting on with finding somewhere to move out to? I’m wondering if you have found somewhere to move out to?” she repeated.

The proposals for the Honiton newbuild office were criticised, too, with Cllr Peter Faithfull (Ind, Ottery) finding them seemingly “small and cramped”. We have no measurements..of what we are getting”, he said.

And Cllr Jill Elson (Con, Exmouth) was astonished that there was no staff café included in the Heathpark designs. Once again, this was treated as a joke, with Cllr Philip Skinner interjecting that there was always the nearby burger bar!

And Leader Paul Diviani’s remark that they were not using “stellar architects” for the new building, added no reassurance for those anticipating sound investment for public money.

More on that last point coming soon..

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7 Apr 2016

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

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Exmouth Regeneration: mixed views, mostly negative

“.. One issue the business owner did have with the developments was what he described as a ‘secrecy’ surrounding the plans.


He said: “I don’t think the council has been very forthcoming. I’ve asked them what the latest position is and they’ve told me they still have nothing to tell me.

“The schemes show I am being moved, but I haven’t officially been told that. If it improves Exmouth and that involves me moving then I’m for it, but I don’t like being constantly kept in the dark and hearing things first in the paper.

“I would like to develop the site, but there’s no point when we don’t know what is happening. The business is being starved of development.” …

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Jury-s-Exmouth-seafront-development-plans/story-29069835-detail/story.html

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7 Apr 2016

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Affordable and Social Housing, EDDC, Regeneration, Seaton/ Colyford / Colyton

Beware supermarkets bearing gifts – particularly affordable housing!

This is what Tesco promised Seaton in 2009 – see highlighted last paragraph and does the store REALLY have 250 staff:

“Sandwiched between the red and white cliffs of the Jurassic Coast and surrounded by acres of unspoilt saltmarsh, the Devon resort of Seaton has prided itself on its status as a serene backwater whose last serious skirmish with an unwanted invader was 700 years ago when it supplied Edward I with ships and sailors to fight off the French.

Yesterday, however, the 7,500 inhabitants of the town on the south Devon coast were readying themselves for a new battle after Tesco bought its largest employer, a holiday village, and promptly ordered its closure. The site also houses Seaton’s only nursery, catering for 35 children, and a swimming pool.

The 152 staff at the Lyme Bay Holiday Village have received redundancy letters informing them that the village, which hosts 40,000 people a year, will close next January to make way for a new development including a large supermarket, a visitor centre and tourist accommodation.

Residents have accused the retail giant, which last year made profits of nearly £2bn, of “breathtaking arrogance” by failing to present any firm proposals for the 15-hectare plot or a timetable for its redevelopment, meaning the town faces the prospect of being without a nursery or housing for the 80 holiday village staff who live on the sites.

Campaigners claim the company, which has said it wants to help make Seaton a “sustainable tourism” centre, has failed to respond to requests for a meeting to discuss its plans and only exercised its option to buy the holiday village after Sainsbury’s, expressed interest last month in acquiring land to build a store.

Lizzie Bewsher, head of a community group opposed to the plans, Stand Up 4 Seaton, said: “In one fell swoop, Tesco have bought up and shut down Seaton’s single biggest source of employment and income. A lot of businesses in the town rely on the passing trade that the holiday village brings in. The people who live in the holiday village face being made homeless and working parents will have nowhere to leave their children. The nearest nursery will be 10 miles away. The village also has the only gym and swimming pool in a town with very few facilities.

“Tesco has done this without offering any assurances that these facilities will be replaced next January or indeed without putting forward any plans for what it wants to do after the closure. It is acting with breathtaking arrogance. We have absolutely no guarantee whatsoever that Tesco will not bulldoze the holiday village, put a big fence around it and leave it untouched for a decade. They are throwing around their financial weight but we are determined not to stand for it.”

One employee said: “We are not by any means a failing business. The village is very popular with the local community and there is a very solid demand throughout the year. There is a lot of ill-feeling that a good business is being closed down without anything firm to replace it.”

If Tesco builds a store in Seaton it will be its tenth outlet within 22 miles. Residents have to travel 18 miles to reach one of its main competitors (Sainsbury’s, Asda or Morrisons), but there is a Waitrose seven miles away.

Tesco said in a statement: “The regeneration of Seaton … will bring significant and lasting benefits to the town, including new employment opportunities, with 250 or more new jobs being created by the new store, attractive shopping facilities and affordable housing. With regard to nursery provision, we are very happy to consider reproviding this service as part of the scheme in conjunction with private operators.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tesco-invades-seaton-ndash–closing-the-nursery-and-holiday-village-800210.html

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7 Apr 2016

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EDDC, Phil Twiss, Rural communications

More on rural broadband – yet another omnishambles

It appears that the Government felt that there might be too much overlap between the EDDC bid and the one for the rest of Devon that EDDC pulled out of to go it alone and that it would not be a good use of public money.

From papers submitted to the Scrutiny Committee:

From a report bt Phil Twiss:

“Update to EDDC scrutiny committee (14th April meeting) re Broadband provision

You will be aware that EDDC submitted a bid for funding to the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) South West Ultrafast Broadband fund in respect of a technical solution (EDDC in conjunction with Broadway Partners) to provide wider provision of Broadband in East Devon “not spots/white areas” where the current Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS)/British Telecommunications (BT), BT commercial or any other provider has any current plans to do so. The application was for £2 million.

I regret that our application was unsuccessful as you will see from the two letters that are appended to this update.

The reasons given for refusal to progress our application are disappointing given there is no comment on the validity or otherwise of the technical solution proposed in the application and mainly relates to tax payers money potentially double funding the project and EDDC’s unwillingness to share data with CDS to avoid this.

EDDC has never been unwilling to share data with CDS as is acknowledged by CDS and as recently as 4th February 2016 in the E Mail below from me to CDS which again sets out our position. BDUK has assumed a view on data sharing without asking EDDC if this was actually the case.

The refusal was appealed by the EDC CEO and the second letter as attached maintains the position where for reasons best known to BDUK suggests that in order to avoid double funding an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) would need to be signed with CDS whereby no details of where, when or how tax payers money could be published by EDDC in terms of openness and transparency. To date EDDC has refused to sign an NDA with CDS for either phase 1 or going in to phase 2 delivery of Broadband where the explanation given is on grounds of commercial confidentiality; difficult to comprehend given no contracts have been agreed for phase 2 delivery of service!”

SO EDDC IS SAYING IT WANTS OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY IN CONTRACTS!!!! THE COUNCIL THAT REFUSES TO PUBLISH ANY INFORMATION ON ITS OWN CONTRACTS!!!!

What the government said:

“To avoid using State aid, it would be necessary to ensure that any public funding be provided on the same basis as commercial finance, in other words, via a loan or similar with commercial rates of interest. As such, there may be more appropriate approaches to accessing the necessary project finance, including via commercial lending, or possibly via the proposed Broadband Infrastructure Fund that was announced in last autumn’s Spending Review.”

Click to access 140416-scrutiny-agenda-combined.pdf

So, our rural businesses are still up the creek without paddles.

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7 Apr 2016

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Consultation, Democracy, Economy, EDDC, Phil Twiss, Rural communications, Rural communities, Scrutiny, Transparency

Next scrutiny committee agenda published – rural broadband down the pan

Really worth a full read but here are some highlights:

Broadband (or lack of):

“I regret that our application was unsuccessful as you will see from the two letters that are appended to this update.” (Twiss quote)

The exchange of correspondence between EDDC and the grant funders who turned down the application is VERY enlightening and should be a major embarrassment to lead councillor Phil Twiss.

Having pulled out of the Devon-wide consortium that has just been granted extra funding we are – precisely nowhere, in fact worse than that, much further back with rural broadband provision than ever before.

Public engagement (or lack of):

A risible attempt to produce a (very brief) report that pretends that EDDC consults appropriately and widely – but listing examples where the public has the exact opposite opinion!

Website (or lack of)

Boasting that more and more forms are going online and how wonderful the industry insiders think it is (so it’s a pity you can rarely find what you are looking for as an outsider and with many documents missing. But how you can get gold stars from your colleagues when your search function is described only as “fairly good” beats Owl!

and the committee’s draft report for the council’s own annual report all up for scrutiny.

Click to access 140416-scrutiny-agenda-combined.pdf

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7 Apr 2016

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Accountability, Devolution, EDDC, Transparency

“Bluffer’s Guide to Devolution”

… was how the EDDC Chief Executive, Mark Williams, described the document he presented to Cabinet members at Knowle this evening. Well, he should know … .

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6 Apr 2016

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Asset Management Group, EDDC, Public Open Space

Green spaces in Easy Devon – for how much longer?

EDDC Asset Management Meeting,

Thursday 7 April, 9.30a.m,

includes an update on the ‘green space strategy’….. could be a prelude to all sorts of things.

Agenda:

Click to access 070416amfcombinedagenda.pdf

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6 Apr 2016

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Accountability, Cranbrook, Developers/ Development, EDDC, EDDC HQ, Knowle/Honiton/Exmouth relocation

Tonight’ Cabinet 5.30 pm – a humdinger?

Relocation … devolution … Cranbrook …

Fireworks? Red faces? Mumbling? Bumbling? Anything could happen …

Agenda here:

Click to access 060416-combined-cabinet-agendasm.pdf

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6 Apr 2016

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Affordable and Social Housing, Developers/ Development, Development Management Committee, EDDC, Seaton/ Colyford / Colyton

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Boo- hoo, Bovis still too poor to provide affordable housing in Seaton, and yet …

Poor, poor Bovis – literally.

Their housebuilding is going too slowly in Seaton and time is running out on their S106 agreement that reduced affordables on the 300+ housing site from 40% to 25% to 0%. So, they have to put in another submission showing that they simply cannot afford them and EDDC’s “independent valuer” agrees. Officers agree too and it just remains to be rubber-stamped at a forthcoming DMC.

http://planningapps.eastdevon.gov.uk/Planning/lg/dialog.page?Param=lg.Planning&org.apache.shale.dialog.DIALOG_NAME=gfplanningsearch&SDescription=13/1583/V106&viewdocs=true

BUT

In the meantime, councillors on and off the DMC, particularly in Seaton might want to think about it before jumping on that ” too poor” bandwagon:

Guardian 16 February 2016:

“Bovis Homes predicts further growth after record profits
Housebuilder increases annual dividend by 14% to 40p a share after pre-tax profits for 2015 jump 20% to £160m”

Bovis Homes has predicted another year of growth after reporting record profits, which were helped by rising house prices and the government’s help to buy scheme.

http://gu.com/p/4hxx3

Yesterday, it was considered a “Buy” stock by Hragreaves Landsdown and Dautsche Bank and HBSC agreed:

http://www.hl.co.uk/shares/shares-search-results/b/bovis-homes-group-plc-ordinary-50p/broker-forecasts

Goldman Sachs agrees too:

Bovis Homes Group plc (BVS) Earns Buy Rating from Goldman Sachs

Terrible to be so poor isn’t it …

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5 Apr 2016

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Accountability, Andrew Moulding, Chardstock, Developers/ Development, Development Management Committee, Dunkeswell, East Devon Tories, EDDC, Local Plan, Scrutiny

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EDDC councillors slammed for voting like sheep

“A district watchdog has called for evidence-based decision-making after the conduct of some council members was called into question.

Councillors admitted being swayed by ‘powerful speakers’ when they agreed on last-minute changes to the draft East Devon Local Plan against the advice of officers and on the basis of claims that later proved unfounded.

Votes taken in the final stages of developing the document – which sets out a planning blueprint for the region – saw Dunkeswell and Chardstock added to a list of villages classed as ‘sustainable’ and thus suitable for further development.

Both decisions have now been overruled by the Planning Inspectorate, but members of East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) scrutiny committee have criticised the process that allowed the controversial votes to be taken without any evidence being checked.

Speaking before the committee on Thursday, March 17, Chardstock parish councillor David Everett said: “Chardstock is now – as far as the East Devon Local Plan is concerned
 – unsustainable.

“But the damage has been done because we now have five houses we should never have had.”

The meeting heard how Councillor Andrew Moulding had spoken out in support of a developer and proposed Chardstock be classed as ‘sustainable’.

An extraordinary meeting of the full council days later saw Dunkeswell added to the list with voters swayed by claims that a school was due to be built in the village – information that was later found to be erroneous.

Scrutiny chairman Councillor Roger Giles asked if members should have been debating and making major changes to the Local Plan at such a late stage without any evidence and against the recommendations of the chief executive.

Committee members argued that this should not have been allowed, but officers at the meeting said it is down to elected councillors to make decisions and, if there is not enough evidence, they should have declined to vote.

It was recommended that all councillors in future should beware of taking claims at face value and make decisions on the basis of factual evidence.”

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/make_decisions_on_basis_of_factual_evidence_1_4483591

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3 Apr 2016

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

Exmouth: development stays on hold as court case continues

This article has not yet appeared on the website – the text is shown below the image:

image

“Family tourist attractions on Exmouth seafront are set to trade for another summer, after obtaining a legal stay of execution.

Owners of the businesses – Exmouth Fun Park and the neighbouring Arnold Palmer mini-golf course – say they look forward to welcoming back their loyal customers – but East Devon District Council (EDDC) faces its seafront redevelopment plans being delayed for several months.

The businesses had been due for eviction in May, having lost a county court case against EDDC in January. However, Chris Wright, tenant of the fun park, and his mother Maureen, joint tenant with Mr Wright of the golf site, continued their court fight, and in a statement have now said that with their next court hearing scheduled for November, the businesses will keep trading until then – giving them at least one extra summer season.

The statement reads: “We have enjoyed over 40 years’ trading on the seafront and have applied to renew our leases so we can continue our businesses here, where we have built up a loyal customer base.

“EDDC has opposed the renewal of our leases in favour of a redevelopment of the seafront.

“The legal process is ongoing and an application for permission to appeal the first instance judgement will be heard in November 2016.

“Until the hearing of that application, the fun park and golf course will be open as usual and we hope you will continue to support our businesses on the seafront over the summer period.”

The tenants are making an ‘oral application’ for an appeal hearing, having had a previous appeal application turned down by the Court of Appeal.
EDDC is planning new buildings and leisure facilities on Queen’s Drive, between the old lifeboat station and The Maer.

Reacting to the latest development, an EDDC spokesperson said: “The original court judgement made in January required the tenants to leave in May 2016, which would have enabled the council to move on to the site this year.
“This latest action now means that the development of the road, car park and water sports centre will not begin for some period of time until the tenants’ next application is heard.

“The tenants’ application for leave to appeal is listed for November. However, the council is applying to bring the hearing forward.

“For the regeneration of Queen’s Drive to continue, the remaining tenancies on the site need to be ended. The judicial system has twice found in favour of the council that the tenants do not have the right to remain on site as their leases have expired. “While the legal process continues, areas of the seafront will remain boarded up and the multi-million-pound all-year-round development – starting with the national watersports centre is being stalled.”

Also this week, East Devon returning officer Mark Williams has confirmed that a parish poll will take place in Exmouth on April 20, between 4pm and 9pm, asking whether Exmouth Town Council should write to EDDC calling for additional independent consultation on its plan.

There will be no polling cards or postal votes. More details will be listed on the EDDC website and at Exmouth Town Hall on 13 April”

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1 Apr 2016

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Accountability, Democracy, Devolution, EDDC, Local Enterprise Partnership, Transparency

East Devon Alliance on “devolution”

“When the Conservatives won last year’s election most voters had no clue that George Osborne was about to unleash an anti-local democracy, unelected regional quango genii from the bottle.

Having been trusted with more than 30,000 votes, the East Devon Alliance has done all we can to flush this out into the open. Most recently we discovered that the National Audit Office (NAO), the respected Government Watchdog, were conducting a study, this spring, into accountability and value for money in the ever more powerful “Local Enterprise Partnerships’.

As the NAO web site invited comment, we thought it would be helpful if we put forward a view on how Devolution was perceived to be proceeding from a local perspective rather than from Whitehall or the Establishment.

We feel that at present, flying a false flag of devolving more power to the regions, the LEPs are proceeding in a way that is unaccountable, lacks transparency and is likely to have a negative impact on democracy.

Realising our input might arrive in the final stages of compiling the report we also copied it to the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Meg Hillier MP. NAO reports are reviewed by the PAC.

In the event the NAO have come to similar conclusions to us.

If Mr Osborne is hell-bent on his ill-conceived scheme and Parliament is unwilling to trim his sails it is now up to local councillors to do the thinking for him.”

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1 Apr 2016

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Affordable and Social Housing, Development Management Committee, EDDC, Newton Poppleford

Cavanna Homes appeal against refusal of 40 dwellings in Newton Poppleford dismissed

15/0642/MRES Appeal 15/00052/REF Ref:
Cavanna Homes (Devon) Ltd And Pencleave 2 – Mr Ed Brown

Land South Of King Alfred Way Newton Poppleford Construction of 40 dwellings (including 16 affordable), doctors’ surgery and associated works (approval of details reserved by outline planning permission 13/0316/MOUT).

Appeal Dismissed Date: 02.03.2016 Written representations

Officer recommendation to approve, Committee Refusal. Affordable Housing pepper-potting reason upheld. (EDLP Strategy 34).

So, officers recommended, committee refused, committee decision upheld. How come officers did not know that East Devon Local Plan Strategy 34 was a reason to refuse!

STRATEGY 34:

Strategy 34 – District Wide Affordable Housing Provision Targets:
Affordable housing will be required on residential developments in East Devon as follows .
Within the areas defined below a target of 25% of the dwellings shall be affordable :
a) Axminster;
b) Exmouth;
c) Honiton;
d) Ottery St Mary;
e) Seaton; and
f) Major strategic ‘West end’ development sites.
Under this policy:
1 2
the towns listed above are defined by the area within the Built-up Area Boundary the major strategic West End development sites to which policy will apply are
a) Cranbrook,
b) adjacent to Pinhoe and
c) North of Blackhorse
as shown on the West End inset map (to the Proposals Plan)

Areas to which higher (50%) affordable housing targets apply: Outside of the areas listed above (i.e. all other parts of East Devon including all settlements not listed, coastal and rural areas and Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth) 50% of the dwellings shall be affordable subject to viability considerations. The 50% figure applies to all areas that do not come under the 25% classification and which are permitted under Strategy 35 ‘Exceptions’ policy.

Where a proposal does not meet the above targets it will be necessary to submit evidence to demonstrate why provision is not viable or otherwise appropriate. An overage clause will be sought in respect of future profits and affordable housing provision, where levels of affordable housing fall below policy targets.

Looking across the lifespan of the plan an affordable housing policy provision target of 70% social or affordable rent accommodation and 30% intermediate or other affordable housing is sought. However in periods of depressed markets an alternative negotiated mix to reflect viability considerations and help deliver schemes will be acceptable. The District Council will consider issues of development viability and housing mix including additional costs associated with the development of brownfield sites, mitigation of contamination and the provision of significant community benefits provided the assessment process is completely transparent and there is full financial disclosure by stakeholders.

The thresholds at which this policy shall apply will be the minimum set out in Government policy or guidance (including any lower thresholds which Local Planning Authorities have the discretion to establish) subject to an up to date Council viability assessment showing that these thresholds can be justified. Where there is no applicable Government Policy or Guidance there will be no minimum size threshold at which affordable housing will be sought, subject to there being up to date strategic evidence that the general delivery of housing would not be significantly undermined.

Affordable housing shall be provided on site unless it is exempted through Government Policy or Guidance, is not mathematically possible or where off site provision of equivalent value is justified by circumstances such as no registered provider being willing to manage the new affordable units or other planning reasons. In such cases a payment towards an off site contribution will be required in lieu of on site provision. On any development site affordable housing should be ‘pepper-potted’ or dispersed throughout the scheme.

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1 Apr 2016

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Accountability, Asset Management Group, EDDC, Transparency

Asset Management Forum – no papers available for any agenda item

7 April 2016, Knowle, 9.30 am
Asset Management Forum

Agenda published with four items to be discussed – the only document provided – minutes of last meeting.

Part A Matters for Decision:

7 Rent support grant scheme – launch details – draft Cabinet report to follow
8 Data – Verbal update by Donna Best, Principal Estates Surveyor
9 Asset Devolution – draft Cabinet report to follow
10 Green Space Strategy – Update on progress.

Click to access 070416amfcombinedagenda.pdf

SO NOT ONE SINGLE DOCUMENT AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC TO SEE IN ADVANCE OF THIS MEETING.

WHY?

What’s that smell? Oh, fish!

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31 Mar 2016

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EDDC, Planning System, Stuart Hughes

Stuart Hughes is top of the (grand)pops …

For some reason, several older posts on EDW have been extraordinarily popular recently.

This one from 2015 (apparently designed to appeal to young people just before last year’s local council elections) topped our chart this week: current EDDC chairman Stuart Hughes with his take on exactly how his council approaches its planning responsibilities:

https://eastdevonwatch.org/2015/05/29/new-eddc-chairman/

Anywhere … did people not understand he was totally serious?

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31 Mar 2016

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Cranbrook, Developers/ Development, EDDC

“Healthy Cranbrook”? Not for some stressed residents

Exchange of views in town council website after a quiet, green space is suddenly changed into a children’s playpark, when residents were told it would not be built o and would remain a quiet space:

As the EDW correspondent says:
When developers lie about green spaces/parks? So much for wellbeing and health?

COMMENTS (only names of residents removed)

““Brilliant, I can’t wait to have this right outside my house (NOT!!) has anyone thought about the people that live in Hayes square??

I’m great full (sic) that we will be moving soon, will be crazy in the summer defiantly (sic) when its baby’s bedtime

moving?? I know I am dreading it, it’s gonna be teenager heaven at night!! Not looking forward to it at all

Yep! For sure the park by co op is full of chavy teenagers from 7pm have to get husband out there. I’m glad we won’t be here when it’s finished. I like it how it is

I think it’s the most stupid place to do its basically right outside my house the children have been more than happy playing out there how it its just going to bring more vandalism to the estate xx

I thought it was supposed to be a quiet park? Why have they spent all the time making it like it is if they are now changing it?

Sorry residents feel like that, also fully understand. Time for parents to stand up and make sure we and our kids do not make an amazing asset into a nightmare for those living nearby. This goes for existing park too.

Shame developers have to lie to sell houses, we were told that was going to be a nice green area where you could just go and sit and relax and read a book, never any mention of a kids play park, why do they need another one so close to the one they already have!

We got told the same.”

Not healthy to have all these people stressed, EDDC!