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12 Oct 2015

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Independent EDA Exmouth Councillor’s speech to Cabinet

Cabinet meeting statement – 7 October 2015 by Independent Councillor Megan Armstrong, Exmouth Haldon Ward, Independent East Devon Alliance:

“Thank you, Chair and Members

I wonder if any of you saw the local Westcountry TV news last night? I mean particularly the distraught young woman who, last week, saw the sudden overnight collapse of her father’s Exmouth seafront business, DJ’s Diner.

As some of you may know, the closure raid, which was undertaken by Senior Council Officers, started at 6am on 1st October, without the prior knowledge of the tenant or his family.

Without going into detail now, I believe there are some serious questions to be asked about the methods and the process used, that is prior to, during and since these actions.

I was there later that morning and therefore witnessed much of it at first hand. Apart from the legal process and implications of this situation, I am particularly concerned about the human and moral response, which should be addressed in such circumstances. Surely decency, honesty and respect should be the watchwords of this Council at all times, whether from members or employees and especially towards members of the public, whom we are elected to serve.

Only two days earlier (last Tuesday) the seafront Carriage Cafe closed down and moved to Cornwall, where no doubt it will be a great success, as it has been in Exmouth for many years. The owner, a lifelong Exmouthian, moved out because he had had enough of the constant, ongoing pressure over several years for him to move, from this Council. People are devastated by this loss of a much-valued community facility and are already saying “Exmouth’s loss is Cornwall’s gain.” And they are right to say so.

So what future for the owner of DJ’s Diner and his family? At the moment it is extremely bleak with his business closed and no income.

Do we care that these small independent businesses are being pushed out? If we don’t then I suggest that we as a council should, because it is such small businesses that are the lifeblood of our communities and we should be supporting and encouraging them to be as successful as possible for all our sakes, and not hounding them out.

I question this relentless drive to ‘regenerate’ (not only in Exmouth but also in other parts of East Devon) and at what cost to people’s livelihoods? Is this something of which we as a council, should be proud? And can we as councillors honestly defend the kind of behaviour which makes successful, small businesses feel unwelcome and unwanted?

I leave these questions for you to ponder.
Thank you.”

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12 Oct 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Regeneration

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EDDC Exmouth Regeneration Board interferes in choice of bus depot site by M and S and wants it on EDDC land outside main town centre

Exmouth Town Council this week voted to support the principle of an M and S food store on the site of the bus depot on Royal Avenue.

But town councillors were then concerned to hear that a letter from a ‘members’ advisory panel’ at East Devon District Council – which has long-intended for a supermarket to be built on the nearby Exmouth Rugby Club site, which it owns – had criticised the M and S proposal, which is for a site owned by Devon County Council.

Councillor Bill Nash told the town council’s regeneration and general purposes committee: “The panel has written to the [district] councillors of town ward and it is a little disturbing.

“The report at the moment is saying that they don’t think it’s the right site, and they’d prefer to see Marks and Spencer on the rugby ground or the London Inn site. Well, that ain’t on – M&S don’t want that.”

Cllr Nash said EDDC had also criticised the building’s design, and a lack of electric car charging points in the proposed car park, and said it may be off-putting for people arriving by train to catch buses.

In response, town mayor Councillor Maddie Chapman said: “I think they’ve got a damn cheek, because it’s county council land that they’ve [M and S] put forward, and the county council want to build on it.

“It’s not up to East Devon saying ‘You can’t build on county council land, you can build on ours’, without saying anything to the town council.

“They need to be told ‘push off’ – so they will be.”

Town councillors were also concerned that no Exmouth councillors were at the EDDC advisory panel meeting, with Councillor Pat Graham saying she and other town ward district councillors had been invited, but at very short notice.

An EDDC spokesman said: “East Devon District Council very much welcomes Marks and Spencer’s interest in Exmouth.

“The comments of the council’s members’ advisory panel that were raised at the town council meeting were draft comments sent to the ward members who, though invited to the panel meeting, were unable to attend.

“We look forward to receiving their views so that these can inform the final comments of the panel that will then be sent to the developer. In any event, these comments will not tie the council to any decision on this matter in future.

“It’s unhelpful to suggest that the district council is promoting its own land. The council has done a lot of work in consultation with the community on plans to develop key sites in the town, including developing a supermarket and improved transport facilities.

“The council is simply seeking to implement these plans and enable the best development possible that accords with planning policy and meets the needs of the town.”

The spokesman also said town ward councillors had been given six weeks’ notice of the meeting date.

M and S will hold a public consultation event about its plans at the town hall on October 16, between 11am and 7pm.

http://www.devon24.co.uk/news/m_s_store_eddc_told_to_push_off_1_4262916

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11 Oct 2015

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Exmouth, Local Plan

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Exmouth Community College principal slams Plymouth University over Rolle site

….. “A consultation on the masterplan for the 2.8 hectare site last weekend was attended by almost 500 people.

Now, in an open letter, A K Alexander, the principal of Exmouth Community College, has attacked the university and its interim Vice Chancellor, Professor David Coslett, over the plans.

The WMN on Sunday asked the university to respond but neither its spokesman nor Prof Coslett was able to provide an answer.

The fate of Rolle:
An edited version of the open letter from A K Alexander

After seven years sitting empty, it would appear that things are now finally moving forward to define the future of Rolle College …. When it closed there was a loss of £5 million a year to Exmouth’s economy. But Exmouth and the area also lost an incredibly important higher education facility that brought a wonderful vibrancy to the town, whilst young people lost an opportunity to move into higher education locally.

So, I was appalled to learn that Professor David Coslett, Plymouth University Vice-Chancellor, in his speech at the consultation event, stated that it was acceptable to take pain in one area (Exmouth) if there were benefits elsewhere (Plymouth) and that there is greater value for the region overall in focusing on Plymouth.

On behalf of every student and every parent in Exmouth and East Devon, this is completely unacceptable. David Coslett also justified the delay in disposal on the economic downturn. The economic downturn has hit everyone and all public institutions hard. The fact that the site with gymnasium, meeting rooms, performance theatre and lecture theatre has remained unused and unavailable to the community for seven years in a time of economic strife is also unacceptable.

Plymouth University has used the argument of centralisation and yet its reach and footprint continues to grow in Cornwall …. What does David Coslett say in his welcome letter as Vice-Chancellor? – ‘a university that is easy to do business with; one that works alongside local communities and industry to create jobs, develop the economy, and raise the profile of the South West.’

I urge all young people and the community of Exmouth and beyond to have your say in the ongoing consultation process and join the debate on what Exmouth (not Plymouth University) needs on the site.

The online consultation is at http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ExmouthRolle

Plymouth University should see sense and reconsider its position; Exmouth must be given first option to purchase the site …. this should not be purely seen in narrow cash terms. David Coslett talks about ‘a legacy’. So let’s start talking about the right legacy for people in Exmouth and East Devon.

Plymouth University should work closely with the community and ensure there is true lasting legacy that creates jobs and improves the education and career opportunities. The intensive housing development of the site is a short-term financially driven quick fix.

We need a considered debate and discussion on how we can secure a longer term perspective and truly invest in people. The clock is ticking. I urge the Exmouth community to act now and resist the proposed plans for the site. We can do so much better.

Mr A K Alexander
Principal
Exmouth Community College”

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/University-attacked-future-college/story-27958552-detail/story.html

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9 Oct 2015

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Affordable and Social Housing, East Devon Tories, Exmouth, Phil Twiss, Regeneration, Seaton/ Colyford / Colyton, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury

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Councillor Twiss gets his knickers in a twiss yet again – and it’s personal – yet again

The most extraordinary rant has appeared in the Sidmouth Herald under the authorship of (“I am not and never have been the Whip for the East Devon Conservative Party”) Councillor Phil Twiss, which is reproduced in its entirety below (with comments added). It puts us in mind of the early days of the sterling work of Councillor Claire Wright, when she was also attacked for attempting to change the much-derided status quo.

I have quoted the full press release provided by a local newspaper, not the shorter version in the Sidmouth Herald

WE WANT SIDMOUTH TO MOVE FORWARD, NOT BE HELD BACK’ (HELD BACK FROM WHAT?)

The Conservative Group on East Devon District Council (EDDC) have hit back at comments made by an East Devon Alliance councillor for her naïve and misleading rant in last week’s Sidmouth Herald. (So, here follows a naive and misleading rant from Councillor Twiss)

In the report, EDA Councillor Cathy Gardner, who represents Sidmouth Town Ward, claimed that a proposal to build social housing on the site of a car park in Mill Street was part of a wider plan for Eastern Town and spoke of the town being at risk of ‘fighting a battle but losing a war’.

Cllr Gardner is guilty of muddled thinking and of embarking on a naïve and misleading rant aimed at making political capital out of the vital issue of providing homes for Sidmouth’s young families. (You be the judge of who is out to make political capital here)

A consultation proposed by the EDA councillor would muddy the waters if and when the district council came to conduct its own public survey – which would take place as part of the normal democratic process. (So, what we always knew – early consultations muddy the waters and council surveys late in the day are the way forward)

ROUTINE

No firm plans had yet been drawn up for Mill Street and if and when such proposals were formed, a public consultation would follow as a matter of routine. (How much more firm could you be when you hike car park prices 300%, reduce ability to rent spaces and then put out a hasty press release saying you intend to turn it into social housing?)

It’s all very well for ward representatives to genuinely stand up for what they see as the rights of their constituents. It’s quite another to say things that will mislead people into forming the wrong conclusions, especially when this is based on a poor understanding of how the planning process works. (Still not sure what the “wrong conclusions” are here)

There is a lot of incorrect information in Councillor Gardner’s reported remarks and this displays either a naïve ignorance of the facts or a desire to stir up a political storm in a teacup – or both. (Not that he does not specifically say at any point what this incorrect information might be)

Councillor Gardner appears to be linking a possible plan for affordable homes in Mill Street with a wider redevelopment scheme for Eastern Town and even the project to create a Beach Management Plan for Sidmouth. Her suggestion that the Beach Management Plan lacked progress is mischievous and untrue. (But surely the proper thing to do in this situation IS to link plans for Mill Street to wider Port Royal and beach management? This is the joined-up thinking that Councillor Twiss and his colleagues say needs to be done)

Derogatory comments about EDDC’s ongoing and successful regeneration projects in Seaton and Exmouth take conspiracy theories to a whole new level of fantasy. (Oh wow – ask the residents of Exmouth and Seaton what they think of their so-called regeneration plans, Councillor Twiss. A big Tesco and non-affordable housing for Seaton. Exmouth – where a protest group is going from strength to strength as initial plans turn into luxury flats)

Building homes on the Mill Street site, if this did go ahead, would be part of the district council’s ongoing commitment to providing jobs and affordable housing for Sidmouth’s upcoming generation of school-leavers and young families and was entirely in line with the Government’s wish to see an end to a nationwide housing drought. (Er, no it isn’t – the Government just announced that it is dropping affordable housing from the requirements for developers – and as affordable rent is still considered 80% of the cost of non-affordable housing still well out of reach of Sidmouth’s young people).

MOVE FORWARD (er, not sure about that)

The Conservatives on EDDC want to see the district and its communities move forward, not stay stuck in the present or the past. They are following very carefully developed regeneration strategies in Seaton and Exmouth and these are based on years of careful study and prior consultation with the community. (See above – when consulted, both towns rejected EDDC’s plans – which went ahead anyway)

Ask fair-minded councillors in Seaton and Exmouth whether regeneration projects in their towns have been beneficial and you might get a different view from the jaundiced judgement of Ms Gardner. (Ah, fair-minded councillors – these seem to be anyone who agrees with Councillor Twiss!)

Sidmouth must not be left behind. We want to see a number of improvements to help the town move forward and we will resist any attempt by people like Ms Gardner to hold Sidmouth back. (Did you notice here that none of the so-called improvements are named? That’s because there aren’t any apparently!)

Any assumption by recently elected councillors that nothing happened before they arrived on the scene is both naïve and arrogant. A lot of good things are happening. These new councillors should make the effort to find out how hard members and officers have worked in the past and resist the temptation to be new brooms sweeping away good ideas just for the sake of scoring cheap political points. (Oh, Councillor Twiss – it is precisely because such a lot DID happen before they were elected that they got elected in the first place. Just why should new councillors be tied to the past and why should they not be new brooms – and just who is trying to score cheap political points here?)

Well done, Councillor Gardner – you must be doing something right if you have brought out the attack dogs so early in your councillorship! Keep up the good work for the citizens of Sidmouth! They needed someone like you and the district needs someone like you to hold power to account.

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8 Oct 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project, Transparency

EDDC confirms that meetings about Exmouth seafront are taking place in secret with no minutes

“You have asked for details of meetings held with Grenadier, Exmouth Bowling Club and NCIS as well as a copy of a presentation to Exmouth Town Council, in relation to the development at Queens Drive, Exmouth.

I am advised that no minutes of the meetings referred to above are held.”

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/meetings_re_the_splash#incoming-716477

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6 Oct 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

“Exmouth Splat”: recent EDW post has had renewed interest

It’s not often an old post gets resuscitated by readers of this blog, but this one – on the chequered past of Moirai Capital – the company chosen for the Exmouth seafront development, posted in July, has suddenly sprung to life again – hmmm:

https://eastdevonwatch.org/2015/07/23/moirai-the-property-company-involved-in-exmouth-water-front-development-a-chequered-past/

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3 Oct 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

“Exmouth Splat” and Moirai Capital UK

The developers behind what some are calling “Exmouth Splat” is Moirai Capital UK.

Strange name Moirai – what does it mean?

“The Moirai or Fates were three sister deities, incarnations of destiny and life. Their names were Clotho, the one who spins the thread of life; Lachesis, she who draws the lots and determines how long one lives, by measuring the thread of life; and Atropos, the inevitable, she who chose how someone dies by cutting the thread of life with her shears. They were often described as being ugly and old women, stern and severe. Three days after a child was born, it was thought that the Moirai would visit the house to determine the child’s fate and life.

It seems that the Moirai controlled the fates of both mortals and gods alike. It may be that Zeus was the only one not bound by them, as an epithet that was used for him was Moiragetes (he who commands the fate). Other sources suggest, though, that he was also bound by the Moirai. It is also uncertain who their parents were; in some myths, they were daughters of Zeus and the Titan goddess Themis, the goddess of divine order. In others, they were daughters of Ananke, the personification of necessity.”

greekmythology.com

The moral of this story is: Beware Greeks bearing gifts especially those who spin, those who measure the inevitable and those who control your life, especially when they are able to cut it off with shears and who ars not sure of their parentage!

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3 Oct 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

Exmouth Splat – spot the missing words

EDDC said:

“Our aim is to bring all-year-round attractions to the seafront, which will be enjoyed by a wider range of people – visitors and residents alike.

“Tourism is key to Exmouth’s long-term economic success and we want a seafront that combines the traditional and modern.

“We are working closely with our tenants to help them with the changes that are happening so that they can be part of this regeneration, if that is possible. Currently we have developers waiting to submit planning applications and there will be detailed future consultation on plans for the site.”” …

What’s missing? Nothing about the new luxury apartments that dominate this site!

And, as for those forthcoming “consultations” people might want to check that what is being consulted on is the scheme EDDC is actually working up with developers in secret meetings rather than something that will bear no resemblance to what is being discussed. Designs at consultation somehow don’t seem to pan out later on …..

Will luxury apartment really want to look out on noisy children playing in expensive enclosures, blocking their expensive views of the sea?

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1 Oct 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project, Richard Cohen

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EDDC boards up legitimately trading cafe on Exmouth seafront without telling the owner

A seafront cafe owner was heading back to Exmouth today to find out just why his premises had been boarded up overnight.

Dean Gardner, owner of the popular DJ’s Cafe on Queen’s Drive, Exmouth, was in the Midlands looking after a sick relative, when he heard the bad news.

Mr Gardner, who has run the cafe for 11 years, said he had been told by East Devon District Council last month that the cafe could remain open for the “foreseeable future” in the run up to the redevelopment of the Exmouth seafront.

But in the early hours of October 1 a small number of contractors, went to the premises changed the locks and boarded up the premises up.

A notice, signed by Richard Cohen, Deputy Chief Executive EDDC, stated that council had taken possession of the premises.

The notice also indicates that: “as you have not made an application to the court before the expiry date (of the notice to terminate the lease) EDDc has exercised the right to take possession.”

Mr Gardner said: “It is a living nightmare. I restocked the cafe on the basis of being told that nothing was going to happen for the foreseeable future and now they have taken possession and boarded the place up without any notice.

“I have to say that when the Carriage Cafe was hauled away I wondered what was going on but I knew they had had enough and had a new site set up in Cornwall.

“I didn’t expect this to happen and I am now heading back to Exmouth straight away to find out what on earth is going on.”

Mr Gardner added that he had spent thousands of pounds on the cafe but was being offered “less than £15,000” in compensation.

According to campaigners opposed to the seafront development, EDDC said on its website that businesses operating in Queen’s Drive will be able to continue to trade beyond 30 September 2015

A Council spokesperson said previously: “East Devon District Council would like to make clear for the benefit of local residents, as well as its Queen’s Drive tenants and customers, that businesses currently operating at Queen’s Drive, who have formally notified the council that they wish to renew their tenancies, will continue to trade beyond 30 September 2015 until the necessary legal processes have been followed and concluded regarding their future.

“The council would like to apologise for any misunderstanding that has occurred.”

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Exmouth-seafront-caf-owner-shocked-premises/story-27904199-detail/story.html

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29 Sep 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

The cloning of Exmouth seafront begins

Many would say that the Carriage Cafe is the sort of thing many re-invented seafronts would compete for. and indeed Lappa Valley in Cornwall, to which it will locate, agrees.

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Pictures-End-era-Exmouth-seafront-8217-s-Carriage/story-27889925-detail/story.html

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27 Sep 2015

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Asset sweating, Democracy, EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project, Transparency

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“Exmouth Splat?” – report of yesterday’s public meeting

Conservative-led East Devon District Council (EDDC) was branded as undemocratic, secretive and devious at a packed meeting in Exmouth yesterday.

Campaign group Save Exmouth Seafront (SES) called the public meeting in the town’s All Saints Church Hall to fight EDDC’s latest grandiose plans for the redevelopment of Queen’s Drive.

Independent Exmouth councillor Megan Armstrong, SES Acting Chair Louise MacAllister, and SES researcher Tim Todd described the background to the project, known originally as “Exmouth Splash” and a lively, sometimes angry, audience expressed strong opposition to it.

Interesting revelations emerged:

· It was claimed that leading EDDC councillors and officers have a clear agenda to sell Exmouth’s assets to help fill the gaping hole in their revenue caused by Government cuts [and their expensive move from Sidmouth? ed].

· The plans for Exmouth have been hatched in secret meetings where minutes are not taken, the public are excluded, and councillors sworn to secrecy.

· EDDC’s “extensive” consultation is a sham – based on 518 replies to a 2011 publication, and comments from 14 pupils at Exmouth College!

· SES’ own recent survey confirms strong support for keeping the traditional charm of Exmouth seafront and the popular local businesses established there for many years.

· These modest local businesses have been “sabotaged” by EDDC with 12-month leases making investment and expansion difficult so they can be replaced by big outside speculative developers.

· Extensive residential and retail development including a cinema and expensive “attractions” will reduce children’s play areas from over 14000 square metres to about 3000.

· A new Water Sports Centre is planned at the most dangerous point of the beach, and entails a diversion of Queen’s Drive costing one and a half million pounds.

The meeting ended with the SES desks swamped by volunteers eager to help the campaign to reclaim the future of their town from bureaucrats and speculators who have no respect for what makes a place unique, special and loved.

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26 Sep 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

Exmouth seafront meeting today

Save Exmouth Seafront are holding a public meeting on Saturday 26th September at 2.00pm in All Saints Church Hall, Exeter Road, Exmouth EX8 1QD. This meeting will be chaired by Lympstone Councillor Ben Ingham, Leader of both the East Devon Alliance and the opposition group of Independent Councillors at EDDC.

If you are interested in what is happening to Exmouth Seafront and would like your views to be considered, please come along and show your support and think about offering them help if you possibly can.

Discussion about the campaign and more information about Save Exmouth Seafront can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/Exmouthsplash.

A press release from Save Exmouth Seafront has been reported by the Exeter Express and Echo here.

source: eastdevonalliance.org.uk

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23 Sep 2015

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Exmouth

Rolle College site: 100 houses, 1 small community building

A double-whammy for Exmouth as the traditional seafront and the further education site are sacrificed to housing with little useful infrastructure for the community.

The public exhibition is 3pm-8pm on Friday, October 2, and 10am-2pm on Saturday October 3, at Ocean on The Esplanade

“One hundred new homes could cover almost the entire former Rolle College campus, with a ‘community hub’ idea reduced to just a single building under new plans.

But Rolle Exmouth Limited (REL), which has fought for seven years to turn the old college into a community, jobs and training hub, says it does not have to happen like that.

REL supporters say that if enough people say what they want, and take part in an upcoming consultation, most – if not all – of the site could end up in the hands of the community.

Next month, the site’s owners, Plymouth University, will exhibit two proposals for the seven-acre site, ahead of applying for outline planning permission.

One is for up to 100 homes, as well as sheltered housing and landscaping. This scheme covers around 90 per cent of the site and only two of the existing 11 buildings would not be demolished.

The Eldin building would be refurbished for housing, and the Owen Building used for a new hub called ‘The Rolle Centre’.

Under both plans, REL’s vision would be limited to this building and a bit of surrounding land.

The second option is identical, except that the 0.6 acres earmarked for sheltered housing would also be used for a community hub

However, despite the increased land for community use in this second option, almost 80 per cent of the site would still be developed.

Both plans are a far cry from what was published in 2012 by the university’s property managers, Grimleys.

Then, in a brochure, 60 per cent of the area was earmarked for the Rolle Centre, with just 40 per cent given over to housing.

But despite the plans, REL bosses insist that if enough people take part in the consultation, they could clinch a better deal for the town.

REL’s deputy chairman, Roy Pryke, said: “Plymouth University’s proposals are not the only options, of course – if enough people express their views and are determined to maximise this fantastic opportunity, then REL can build on that and seek to buy all or parts of the site for Exmouth.

“But we really need people to have their say and be clear about what they want. We can then make progress, conduct further fundraising and start to talk with potential developers about a new partnership approach.”

REL chairman Deborah Hallett said: “This is only an outline planning application, but it is critical that the community participates in the consultation. Securing outline planning permission is a critical step to move the project forward, but it is not necessarily what the final outcome will look like.

“We will put the case to the community and then to potential developers for what we believe should be the right mix between housing and the business, education and community aspects of the site.”

http://www.midweekherald.co.uk/news/rolle_homes_shock_1_4240694

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17 Sep 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Knowle/Honiton/Exmouth relocation

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Relocation problems start to emerge …

… and probably the first of many.

Rumours abound, too, that costs are already spiralling out of control.

Is that why assets are being disposed of – a fire sale to cover a funding black hole?

And all our CEO can offer is a trite “Where there’s a will there’s a way”!

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Posted on

14 Sep 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

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Exmouth seafront: the latest (but not last) omnishambles!

“PRESS RELEASE

Seafront Survey initial findings conflict with District Council’s claim

Following East Devon District Council’s claim last week that it’s development proposals for Exmouth seafront had clear public support, the Save Exmouth Seafront (SES) campaign has seriously challenged this statbement.

SES is now analysing the Exmouth Seafront Survey which has had more than 1200 respondents. This far exceeds the number of respondents to the District Council’s two consultations in 2011(Masterplan) and 2013 (The Splash) upon which the seafront proposals are based.

Preliminary findings from the SES survey point to a large majority of respondents opposing the current plans for redevelopment.

Many respondents suggest that improving existing facilities is the best way to revitalise Exmouth seafront. This could be best achieved by supporting current traders and maintaining its highly valued and unique character for residents and visitors alike.

As survey coordinator for SES Louise MacAllister said:

“Preliminary findings clearly suggest that residents feel ignored by East Devon District Council. That the council continues to press ahead with the proposals only serves to support the argument that they do not listen to residents; for as these preliminary survey results strongly suggest, the respondents do not support the current plans for a number of reasons.”

The Save Exmouth Seafront group will be holding a public meeting to discuss and act on these concerns at 14:00 on Saturday 26 September 2015, to be held at All Saints Church Hall, Exeter Road, Exmouth.”

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10 Sep 2015

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Claire Wright, Exmouth

Claire Wright writes about Exmouth seafront plans in new Express and Echo column

Devon County Councillor and recent Independent candidate at the general election, Claire Wright, is not impressed with EDDC’s plans for Exmouth seafront:

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/letter-Claire-Wright-Exmouth-seafront-plans-right/story-27772921-detail/story.html

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Posted on

7 Sep 2015

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Branscombe, Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Seaton/ Colyford / Colyton, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury, Tourism

Coastal towns have a week to apply for £3 m funding pot

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Coastal-towns-urged-bid-3-million-revive-fading/story-27751288-detail/story.html

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Posted on

4 Sep 2015

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EDDC, Exmouth

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Exmouth Splash: EDDC implies: don’t take any notice of what we say!

Yesterday, 3rd September, EDDC updated its page about Exmouth Queen’s Drive Development. (http://eastdevon.gov.uk/regeneration-projects/regeneration-projects-in-exmouth/queens-drive-leisure-area/)

There were a number of striking, and confusing statements within the update. In relation to the current tenants, it listed the dates when there had been communication between the parties. It listed the latest as January 2015. This comes as rather confusing given EDDC’s public claims of keeping the existing tenants fully informed.

This confusion may be explained by a later paragraph which is worth quoting verbatim here.

“Existing tenants
Businesses currently operating at Queen’s Drive will continue to trade beyond 30 September 2015 until the necessary legal procedures have been followed and concluded regarding their future. We would like to apologise to our tenants and their customers for any confusion or misleading statements that have been in the press. Residents and visitors to Exmouth will be able to continue to use the facilities for the foreseeable future.”
end quote

Explained by EDDC’s confusion and misleading statements that have been in the press perhaps, and news to the tenants?
As recently as the 2nd September, at least one of the existing tenants considered themselves potentially forced out of business according to EDDC and their 30th September deadline.

Not only that, in the Express and Echo story of the 3rd September, EDDC are quoted “EDDC said that the existing tenants on the Queen’s Drive site have been informed of the news and can trade until September 30, when work will begin shortly afterwards.

Another notable omission from EDDC’s page is the absence of any mention of the developers who had put forward the most recent plans – though their June debut still features on EDDC’s website ( http://eastdevon.gov.uk/news/2015/06/18-m-waterfront-transformation-beckons-for-exmouth/)

It was this company’s proposals that added significant residential elements to the plans, at, it would appear, the expense of children’s play areas and water play elements. There have been concerns about the favoured developer and some of their past projects.

Elsewhere EDDC have been challenged to provide the evidence for their claims that they have consulted widely, and the inference that their projects are supported by residents and visitors. Their response is eagerly awaited.

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

3 Sep 2015

Posted under

EDDC, Environment (local), Exeter City Council, Exmouth, Feniton/ Talaton, Local Plan, Local Plan Inspector, Newton Poppleford, Teignbridge

The significance of Dawlish Warren, Exe Estuary and Pebblebed Heaths to Planning in East Devon

One of our correspondents writes again:

Another thing the Talaton appeal has thrown a spotlight on is the lack of progress EDDC has made turning a strategy into an action plan. In this case it concerns EDDC’s failure in the draft Local Plan to meet obligatory requirements to demonstrate that it has a plan to mitigate the pressure increased population will place on three very sensitive wildlife habitats: Dawlish Warren; the Exe estuary and the Pebblebed Heaths.

This is something that EDDC, Teignbridge and Exeter have been working on since around 2012/2013 when they commissioned the “South-east Devon European Mitigation Strategy” report. This study concluded that, without appropriate mitigation measures, further development within 10Km of these sites would have adverse effects.

One of the central mitigation measures is the identification and creation of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) to replace specialised habitat and to provide additional recreation space to draw people away from these sites. Unfortunately, having identified one particular SANG, EDDC promptly granted planning permission for it, even before the report was published (see para 7.19 of the report)!

Since the beginning of August 2014, EDDC have been trousering between £749 and £626 per dwelling from developers to “make it easier for developers to ‘deliver’ such mitigation” but in the words of Natural England (submission to the Local Plan examination dated 11 June 2015):

“We are becoming increasingly concerned regarding the lack of progress on the delivery of mitigation measures which have not yet been implemented. We are aware that the Authority has been collecting funds for mitigation but delivery of such measures has not kept pace with its collection….. We are also concerned that recent planning applications and permissions may inhibit the delivery of proposed mitigation and that that mitigation may require modification to be delivered.”

Furthermore this letter from Natural England makes it clear that EDDC failed, prior to submitting the revised local plan for inspection, to update or consult further on the Habitat Regulation assessment section which Natural England, the statutory consultee, had stated in 2013: “does not meet the legal requirements as set out in Section 102 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) nor National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 166.”

The Talaton appeal gives us an up to date view of Planning Inspectorate thinking on this which looks unequivocal to me:

“60. No clear mechanism has been put forward that would ensure the delivery of the SANGs that form an essential element in the Council’s Mitigation Strategy. In the absence of appropriate mitigation, in line with the Mitigation Strategy, the effect of the proposed residential development, in combination with other planned development, is likely to give rise to adverse effects on the integrity of the SAC/SPA as a result of additional recreational pressure.
61. Regulation 61(5) of the Habitats Regulations identifies that the competent authority may only agree to a plan or project after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of a European site, subject to regulation 62, regarding considerations of over-riding public interest. That approach is reflected in paragraph 118 of the Framework which advises that planning permission should be refused where significant harm resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or compensated for.
62. In this case, there is little information before me to determine whether the proposed level of residential accommodation could be provided in another location, outside of the 10km zone surrounding the SPA. However, even if no alternative solution exists, the proposals are not put forward on the basis of any imperative reasons of over-riding public interest, of a social or economic nature, that would outweigh the harm to the SAC/SPA, having regard to Regulation 62 of the Habitat Regulations. As such, to grant planning permission for the proposed developments would be contrary to the aims of The Habitats Regulations and paragraph 118 of the Framework, both of which dictate that planning permission should be refused.”

Without resolution this matter looks like a showstopper for the Local Plan. But how easy is it going to be to agree a mitigation plan with a local authority that sets aside “Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace” one day then grants planning permission on it the next?

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