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Planning applications validated by EDDC week beginning 10 August

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“Questionable forecasts” threaten the countryside.

Owl has recently received the latest report published by CPRE Devon entitled: “How many Homes? Reviewing the National Housing Need for England”. This follows CPRE Devon’s previous report on Devon’s Housing needs. 

This new report explains why current Government housing targets overestimate the need. For example, the current Government estimate is based on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) forecast made in 2014. Since then the ONS has made two further forecasts: in 2016 and 2018. Each of these has used revised modelling and assumptions on such things as the rate of household formation, based on new information. They forecast a substantially lower future need for new homes than assessed in 2014.

Owl will summarise this report in due course.

Meanwhile Owl spotted this:

Green belt around Coventry at risk from ‘questionable forecast’ by Office for National Statistics

Neil Johnston, Midlands Correspondent | George Greenwood www.thetimes.co.uk 

Ancient woodland that once formed the Forest of Arden is threatened by plans to build thousands of homes based on population forecasts that some deem implausible.

Andy Street, the Conservative mayor of the West Midlands, said that “questionable” forecasts by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) had been used to approve 11,000 new homes on the green belt around Coventry and others next to woods in Warwickshire.

The ONS expects Coventry’s population to rise by 32 per cent between 2011 and 2031, twice as much as Birmingham.

That has led Coventry city council to plan for more than 40,000 new homes and designate swathes of green belt land, which can only be developed in exceptional circumstances.

Although the prediction has changed over time, campaigners believe it is an overestimate. The Keep Our Green Belt Green campaign said that the ONS wrongly assumed foreign students at Warwick and Coventry universities would stay in the area after their studies.

According to the analysis, which four professors have reviewed, jobs have grown by 18 per cent in recent years but this was half that of some nearby towns.

They found births fell by 5 per cent between 2009 and 2017 while in Stratford-upon-Avon, Wolverhampton and Bromsgrove they rose by more than 5 per cent. Car registrations rose at a third of the pace of Birmingham, while A&E attendances grew by 10 per cent compared to 40 per cent in Wolverhampton, and 30 per cent in nearby Worcestershire.

In a letter seen by The Times Mr Street complained to Sir Ian Diamond, the national statistician, that with “two years of actual evidence” the ONS had to take responsibility for projections.

“The overall numbers projected for Coventry appear implausible and may be leading to poor long-term planning decisions,” Mr Street wrote.

Yesterday he said that the plans would cause “a catastrophic loss of precious green spaces”. He added: “Once precious greenbelt land is gone it cannot be replaced. The city council’s local plan is underpinned by questionable ONS population predictions.”

Mr Street said he was especially concerned about plans for 2,500 homes at Kings Hill, a deserted medieval village with three grade II listed buildings surrounded by ancient woodland.

“It means we would be joined with Kenilworth,” Angela Fryer, a nearby resident, said. “We just become one urban sprawl. We’ve lost our green belt at the stroke of the pen.”

Residents are also concerned about plans for 2,500 homes at Keresley, which is overlooked by a neolithic hill fort. There is another proposal for more than 2,000 houses in Meriden Gap between Birmingham and Coventry.

Peter Maddock, who lives in nearby Allesley Green, said: “ I despair at Coventry city council. So many people are trying to tell them how valuable our green areas have been to their physical and mental wellbeing.

“We tell them that the economic assumptions they made in 2017 are no longer valid and that the population growth assumptions are crazy. All again falling on deaf ears. “

Merle Gering, of Keep Our Green Belt Green, warned of huge damage to the West Midlands countryside. “Coventry council is planning to destroy jewels of the countryside needlessly to fill it with houses on the back of absurd claims of  hyperpopulation growth,” he said. “The Office for National Statistics should be ashamed of themselves. They know that it cannot be true that Coventry is growing twice as fast as Birmingham, three times as fast as Warwick, and four times as fast as Stratford-upon-Avon — the places where there actually is high jobs growth and a reason for really rapid population increase.”

The council said its local plan was adopted after “extensive public examination” and that a review could be triggered if there were unexpected changes to the area. It said its plans were based on figures published by the government over which it had no control.

A spokeswoman for the ONS said that ministers had given no sign of doubting the projections. “All of our methods have been explained to be fully transparent and helpful,” she said.

 

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Sewage warnings issued at Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth and Sidmouth.

 

Devon beaches you shouldn’t swim at as sewage warnings issued including Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth and Sidmouth.

Colleen Smith www.devonlive.com

 

People are being advised not to go into the sea at several beaches across Devon by Surfers Against Sewage who monitor discharge from sewers and water quality.

Alerts are in place for 14 beaches across the county – three in North Devon and 11 in South Devon.

Pollution levels are currently high due to the recent rainfall.

The poor water quality at one beach in Torbay has pushed one angry resident into labeling the resort ‘Turd-baydos’ – a play on the frequently used Torbaydos hashtag, referring to the Barbaydos-style image of sunshine and palm trees.

Holidaymakers on Torquay seafront stopped to film a homemade road sign beside Torre Abbey beach also warned: “The Victorian sewer at Preston will kill all marine life if it is not repaired right now.”

Torbay Council were asked for a comment as the sign also alleges corruption. The council press office did not wish to comment.

The sign warns holidaymakers “Turdbaydos is due to close”

But it comes as Surfers Against Sewage, which monitors discharge from sewers and water quality, has issued a number of new warnings across Devon, some following heavy rainfall.

At Preston Sands near Paignton it says bathing is not recommended. It says: “There is a sewer overflow that discharges at the northern end of the beach from the Preston Green Attenuation Tank.”

The information below was correct at the time of publication, however, these alerts may change during the course of the day.

Preston Sands Paignton

Pollution Risk Warning: Bathing not advised today due to the likelihood of reduced water quality.
Preston Sands is a large, popular sandy beach backed by a large town green and the town of Preston. There is a sewer overflow that discharges at the northern end of the beach from the Preston Green Attenuation Tank. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.

Meadfoot Beach Torquay

Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Located on a headland between Babbacombe and Torquay is a shingle and rock beach backed by a low sea wall and imposing cliffs. It is situated in one of Britain’s most popular seaside resort areas in the heart of the English Riviera . Although there are no sewer overflows discharging directly onto the beach here, there are various sewer overflows from the surrounding urban catchment that may affect bathing water quality here. Water quality can also be impacted by diffuse pollution.

Bigbury-on-Sea South

Pollution Risk Warning: Bathing not advised today due to the likelihood of reduced water quality.
At the mouth of the River Avon, Bigbury-on-sea South connects Burgh Island to the mainland at low tide. It is a sandy beach approximately 450m wide. There is a disused sewer overflow on Bigbury-on-Sea with several others located on Bigbury-on-Sea North beach, just to the north of this beach. Sewer overflow discharges into the River Avon may also affect water quality here. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.

Bantham

Pollution Risk Warning: Bathing not advised today due to the likelihood of reduced water quality.
A sandy beach at the mouth of the River Avon, Bantham is a fairly remote beach backed by sand dunes and popular with surfers. Bantham is very popular with surfers with good beach break peaks and barrelling waves being common. There are no sewer overflows directly on the beach however a number discharge into the River Avon further upstream while the urban areas of Bantham and Buckland behind the beach also have sewer overflows that may affect bathing water here. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.

Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton

Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
With its famous large, smooth pebbles playing an integral part in its designation as an Ancient World Heritage Coastline, Budleigh Salterton is a 2km stretch of resort beach with red cliffs at the western end and the River Otter Estuary at the eastern and backed by a promenade and the town. There are three sewer overflows discharging around Budleigh Salterton. One discharges directly onto the beach, one 400m east of the bathing water and another that discharges to the sea 1.3km away. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.

Shaldon

Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Shaldon is located on the west side of the Teign estuary facing east to Teignmouth. It is a sandy beach, 1.3km in length next to the town of Shaldon. There is a sewer overflow on the other side of the estuary, some 220m away. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting

Teignmouth Holcombe

Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
A small sand and rock beach located at the base of tall red cliffs, Holcombe is an isolated beach backed by cliffs and a railway line. A sewer overflow discharges into the Holcombe Stream 40m upstream of the beach. Water quality can also be impacted by diffuse pollution.

Dawlish Coryton Cove

Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Historically known as Gentlemans Cove due to the privacy it offered, Coryton Cove is a secluded, sandy beach backed by red cliffs and the train track. A sewer overflow discharges over the rocks at the southern end of the beach. Water quality can also be impacted by diffuse pollution.

Dawlish Town

Pollution Risk Warning: Bathing not advised today due to the likelihood of reduced water quality.
Dawlish Town is on the south coast of Devon. It is a sandy beach resort, approximately 650 metres wide, close to the town and cliffs. There are five storm overflows covered by the Safer Seas Service within 650m off the beach which can operate in heavy rainfall. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.

Exmouth

Exmouth beach on 30/5/20 (Image: Sheila Chalmers)

Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Exmouth is a large sandy resort beach at the mouth of the River Exe backed by a promenade and the town. A memento of its Victorian heyday fine gardens and parks also back the beach. There is a sewer overflow discharging through an outfall to the SE that may affect bathing water quality. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.

Sidmouth Town

Sidmouth beach huts

Sidmouth beach huts

Pollution Risk Warning: Bathing not advised today due to the likelihood of reduced water quality.
Rock pools to the west, overhanging cliffs to the east, Sidmouth Town beach compromises 900m of legally protected pebbles broken up by rock groynes and backed by a promenade and the town. Two storm overflows are located at Sidmouth, one discharges through a long-sea outfall some 600m out to sea while the other discharges into the River Sid, just under 400m to the east. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.

Lynmouth

Pollution Risk Warning: Bathing not advised today due to the likelihood of reduced water quality.
The East and West Lynn Rivers meet just behind the beach and meet the sea as the Lynn River in the middle of a large expanse of shingle and rock. Lynmouth is backed by wooded cliffs and is on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Two sewer overflows discharge into the River Lynn, one upstream and one up the beach. Other overflows from the surrounding urban areas of Lynton and Lynmouth also flow into the River Lynn and may affect bathing water quality. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.

Combe Martin

Bathing not advised due to Poor annual classification.
BATHING NOT ADVISED DUE TO POOR ANNUAL CLASIFICATION. Backed by a small resort village, Combe Martin is a sandy beach in a sheltered valley at the western edge of Exmoor National Park. The River Umber flows through a channel at the western side of the beach. A combined sewer overflow exists on the Umber River 30m upstream of the beach, with two more further upstream. Work was completed in 2015 to reduce their frequency of operation. Other inputs from the surrounding catchment may also affect water quality at Combe Martin.

Ilfracombe Wildersmouth

Bathing not advised due to Poor annual classification.
BATHING NOT ADVISED DUE TO POOR ANNUAL CLASIFICATION. A small, sand and shingle cove located directly below the town of Ilfracombe. With cliffs to the northern end the East and West Wilder Brooks which meet in the town flow out to sea here via a tunnel on the west side. A sewer overflow discharges some 30m upstream of the beach into the Wilder Brook. Other overflows for the surrounding catchment are may also affect water quality here. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.

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Pride Flag and Bisexual Flag will be shown by East Devon District Council

Thursday’s full Council Meeting was very busy and Owl is still catching up.

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com 

East Devon District Council will fly the Pride Flag and Bisexual Flag outside its Blackdown House HQ to coincide with Pride Month in June and Bisexual Visibility Day on September 23.

Councillors on Thursday night almost unanimously voted to back the two motions that had been put forward by Cllr Luke Jeffery and seconded by Cllr Joe Whibley.

The rainbow Pride Flag will be flown during Pride Month, June, and on the same day as any pride events which take place within the district, while the council committed to engage with local LGBT+ charities and advocacy groups to see how EDDC can better support its LGBT+ community.

The Bisexual flag will also be flown outside of Blackdown house on Bisexual Visibility Day to promote awareness around the specific challenges faced by the bisexual community, and the council will also include specific materials about the bisexual community in any equalities training it runs for staff.

Putting forward his motions, Cllr Jeffery, who is the youngest member of the council, said that he was concerned that the number of hate crimes against people in Devon and Cornwall on the basis of their sexual orientation rose by 9.6 per cent and against transgender people hate crimes rose by 26.5 per cent in 2018-19.

He added: “No-one should have to experience hate or have their validity of their existence questioned, which is something many LGBT+ people will have experience of. The council can show solidarity with the LGBT+ community and we can make a public statement of support for the community and it would mean a great deal as a gesture.

“It is important that East Devon shows solidarity with its LGBT+ community who make up such an important part of our community. As openly bisexual, we do face specific challenges in the LGBT+ community, for example, frequent bi-phobia, being confused or extremely promiscuous, or that we simply don’t exist. I should know as I have heard them all myself, and given the challenges that go unnoticed, I proposed this to combat bi-phobia, as ignorance of the issues is the greatest issue.”

Cllr Whibley, supporting the motion, added: “I was saddened to learn that flying the Pride Flag was not done as a matter of course. It gives hope to people that they are not alone, isolated, or without support.

“I grew up gay in a rural environment where a homosexual was considered as rare a beast as a Scottish Conservative, but I was lucky enough that family and friends showed understanding and compassion and my sexuality mattered not one jot, but not everyone is that lucky. This is helping to drag the council into the 21 st century kicking and screaming and this is the right thing to do.

“People may say if we do this, then we have to do it for all the other minority groups, so I say, let’s do that, as that’s a great idea.”

Cllr Paul Millar added that this was vital to be supported as discrimination against the LGBT+ communities still exists today.

He said: “I was in my first year at Exmouth Community College when I first faced homophobic bullying from classmates. At that point I had just turned 13. Children by their very nature tend to bully other children if they show any difference to any area of vulnerability, and I was a posh sounding Oxford boy in a Devon town.

“The teachers were silent of challenging homophobia against me and others in the classroom, and homosexuality was not mentioned in any sex education or part of the curriculum. Being LGBT+ was not a way of life that held any bright future for anyone with no positive role models or anyone to look up to.

“For me, quietly coming out in my late 20s without any fanfare, I compared it to how an elderly octogenarian would feel if they decided to ride a bike for their 82 nd birthday. I was somewhat confused and slightly out of my depth, and I still struggle with my identity today.

“As much as society has changed, discrimination against the LGBT+ still exists in much subtler forms – that’s why we don’t have an openly gay or bisexual footballer, even though they must exist.

“I was in my local pub last year and overheard a man say ‘I hate it when they hold hands – keep it in your own backyard’. Ten years ago I wouldn’t have challenged that and may have nervously laughed along or shamefully joined in. But now I can challenge it, I did challenge it, I’m glad I challenged it, and we should all challenge it, as you don’t know who might be in earshot who is bottling up their life, and that was me once.”

Leader of the council, Cllr Paul Arnott, added that he was delighted to be backing the motions and that he will be there when the flag goes up outside Blackdown House, while Cllr Andrew Moulding, leader of the Conservative group, added that his group would be supporting the two motions.

There were 46 votes to three abstentions, in favour of the celebrating pride in East Devon motion, while the tackling Bi-phobia motion was passed by 44 votes, three abstentions.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Jeffery said: “I am delighted to see EDDC approve these two motions, it shows how EDDC is determined to show solidarity with its LGBT+ community who make up such an important part of our community. As an openly bisexual councillor I am especially pleased to see the motion recognising the specific challenges faced by my community and look forward to seeing the bisexual flag outside Blackdown house in September.”

Cllr Whibley added: “I am delighted and relieved that EDDC councillors do indeed live in the 21st Century and recognise the importance of this motion, and the positive benefits of recognising such important causes.”

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Appeal issued after former East Devon council CEO dies of asbestos-related cancer

East Devon District Council’s former chief executive officer (CEO) died of asbestos-related cancer, an inquest has heard.

Industrial disease has been recorded as the cause of death of John Vallender.

Assistant coroner Debra Archer said the malignant mesothelioma was more than likely caused by asbestos exposure during Mr Vallender’s employment.

John Vallender, who was EDDC’s CEO between July 1984 and June 2002, was given the mesothelioma diagnosis in January 2018.

The 72-year-old father-of-three sadly passed away in November 2019.

Before his death, he instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Simpson Millar to investigate his employment history.

According to a freedom of information request the building – which has now been sold – contains large quantities of asbestos.

In the 90s action was taken to remove asbestos from the council chamber, and whilst the council acknowledged its presence in the building, it is claimed that the fibres were not disturbed and would have been safe.

Speaking of his ordeal before his death, Mr Vallender said: “The council building itself was very old, large and dusty.

“My office was refurbished during my time there and I saw people carrying out maintenance activity over the years and that included rubbing down fire doors and working up in the roof space above the offices on the top floor.

“It feels very plausible that I – as well as my colleagues – would have been inhaling dangerous and microscopic asbestos fibres as a result or working in and walking around the entire buildings, over the years.”

An EDDC spokesman said: “We note the comments of the family’s solicitor and the council was not present at the inquest.

“There is ongoing litigation involving the council’s insurers and a further comment in this respect would not be appropriate. We extend our sympathies to John’s family and our thoughts are with them.”

Simpson Millar is now appealing on behalf of Mr Vallender’s family for anyone else who worked at The Knowle between 1984 and 2002 to come forward with any information on any work undertaken over the years.

If anyone has any information contact Helen Grady of Simpson Millar on 0808 129 3320 or email helen.grady@simpsonmillar.co.uk.

 

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Coronavirus cases rising in Devon and falling in Cornwall

The number of coronavirus cases confirmed across Devon has doubled in the past week – but has nearly halved in Cornwall.

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com 

Government statistics show that 42 new cases have been confirmed across the region in the past seven days in both pillar 1 data from tests carried out by the NHS and pillar 2 data from commercial partners, compared to 34 new cases confirmed last week.

It means that an average of 6 rather than 4.85 cases a day are being confirmed across the two counties, with 32 of the 42 cases having a specimen date having a specimen date from August 14 to August 21, and the other ten dating back to August 10.

The number of confirmed cases in Cornwall over the last week has dropped from 14 to eight, while the same number of cases, seven, were recorded in Plymouth – of which four were in the Honicknowle & Manadon MSOA area.

Weekly rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population tested

In Torbay, the number has risen from one to three, while across the rest of Devon, the numbers have more than doubled, from 12 to 26.

It means that in Cornwall, at present, 1.14 cases a day on average are being confirmed, with one case a day in Plymouth, with 0.42 cases in Torbay and 3.71 across the rest of Devon.

Of the cases confirmed in the last week, four of Cornwall’s cases occurred with the specimen date of August 14 or later, with five of the cases in Plymouth, 22 in Devon, and one case in Torbay.

Across the Devon County Council area, of the 22 cases, nine were in East Devon (of which four were in Seaton), four in Exeter, three in Mid Devon and North Devon, two in the South Hams and Teignbridge, and one in Torridge. No new cases were confirmed this week in West Devon.

By specimen date, the most recent case in Teignbridge, Exeter, Mid Devon, Torridge and the South Hams is from August 19, from August 18 in East Devon, Plymouth, North Devon, Torbay, and Cornwall, and August 10 in West Devon.

Across the whole of the South West, 230 cases have so far been confirmed for the previous seven day period, with 68 of them in Swindon, which despite media reports of facing a ‘local lockdown’, has seen the number of new cases decrease in the past week.

In terms of cases by specimen between August 11 to August 17 and reported by August 21, there are two Middle Super Output Areas across Devon and Cornwall that had four cases confirmed – Honicknowle & Manadon in Plymouth and Seaton in East Devon. Everywhere has had between 0-2 cases.

The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 in the South West has fallen in the previous week, dropping down to 17 from 18, with there being just one person in intensive care.

This week saw three hospital deaths in the South West – but the last death in a hospital in Devon and Cornwall occurred on June 29 – and for the second week in a row, no deaths were recorded in Devon in the ONS statistics.

The R Rate for the South West is now being estimated as between 0.8 and 1.1, up from 0.8 to 1.0 as of last week, and could be both the lowest and highest in the country, but it covers a large geographical area and low case numbers mean the estimates is insufficiently robust to inform policy decisions.

Torridge remains the place in England with the lowest overall positivity rate, and is 3rd in the overall table behind Na h-Eileanan Siar (Outer Hebrides) and the Orkney Islands.

Including Scotland and Wales as well, the South Hams is 7th, North Devon 9th, West Devon 10th, Teignbridge 13th, East Devon 14th, Cornwall 15th, Exeter 21 st , Torbay 27th, Mid Devon 48th and Plymouth 51st of the 369 regions

In total, Torridge has had 57 positive cases, West Devon 75, with 103 in the South Hams, 125 in North Devon, 215 in Mid Devon, 217 in Teignbridge, 239 in East Devon, 258 in Exeter, 288 in Torbay, 693 in Plymouth and 961 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Testing being carried out at Leeds Temple Green Park and Ride, part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing for thousands more NHS workers (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)

The COVID-19 cases are identified by taking specimens from people and sending these specimens to laboratories around the UK to be tested. If the test is positive, this is a referred to as a lab-confirmed case.

Confirmed positive cases are matched to ONS geographical area codes using the home postcode of the person tested.

The data is now shown by the date the specimen was taken from the person being tested and while it gives a useful analysis of the progression of cases over time, it does mean that the latest days’ figures may be incomplete.

Cases received from laboratories by 12:30am are included in the counts published that day. While there may have been new cases of coronavirus confirmed or people having tested positive, those test results either yet to reach PHE for adding to the dataset or were not received in time for the latest daily figures to be published.

Putting these figures in a broader perspective

Owl has been tracking the Covid Symptom study as a useful proxy measure of the prevalence of Covid-19 because it is based on a very large (though self-selecting) sample and provides consistency across time. Over the UK the study estimates of infection rates correlate with the latest ONS estimates. It is becoming recognised that, to date, most officially confirmed cases present an underestimate and there is a considerable number of asymptomatic or very mild cases. What this table shows is that the number of active cases in the community shows considerable volatility but there is no particular cause for alarm at the moment.

8 July

 15 July 25 July 30 July 21 August
North Devon 79 324 1076 561 327
East Devon 483 181 865 300 285
Torbay 386 715 228 Zero 331
South Hams 529 306 713 706

254

 

Estimated active case/million people under revised calculation methods (prevalence)  Aged 20-69

The Covid symptom study is now converting prevalence and showing estimated active cases (people with symptoms and likely to be infective) for each district as follows:

North Devon 19; East Devon 29; Torbay 25; South Hams 17

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Tourists head to the southwest with some locals refuse to welcome them

“From Lulworth Cove to Bubleigh (sic) Salterton, from St Ives to Bude, Woolacombe to Minehead and every beach in between, accents from all over the country can be heard – as commonplace as the pasty shops.”

Jon Lewis www.independent.co.uk 

As a large population of the country decides against the risk of holidaying abroad, the southwest of England is welcoming more guests than ever – but faces the risks associated with the virus.

Based on stats alone it would appear Devon and Cornwall have gotten off lightly when it comes to coronavirus.

The South Hams was one of the first places in the UK to report a case of Covid-19, but since then there have been just over 2,000 more cases in Devon, with about 900 having been reported in Cornwall since early March.

While other picturesque parts of the country such as Cumbria suffered during lockdown with day-trippers blamed for spreading the virus, the westcountry – stung by those early cases – shut up shop quickly with a police force determined to enforce the letter of the law and angry, social-media savvy locals armed with smartphones and a passion for passive aggression ready to expose any second-home owners flouting the rules.

There are many in the southwest who would prefer it to have stayed that way, but this is a region which relies heavily on its tourism industry.

“It had got to the point where we had to open again,” says Victoria Norris, 46, who runs Tall Ships Creamery ice cream shop in Charlestown on the south Cornwall coast.

“Only time will tell if we have made the right decision. We have had a lot of holidaymakers down here and by the beginning of September we will know how lucky we have been.”

Victoria was so concerned by the spread of the virus that she shut down her business before the government made closure compulsory. She also refused to reopen until June – after her engineer fiance Scott Anstey had completely revamped her two small shops in the village to ensure they were completely Covid-safe.

She only allows one household into the shop at a time and employs a strict two-metre social distancing rule at all times.

“When we were closed there was a lot of pressure from people asking when we were going to open again, but I wasn’t prepared to risk my staff, their families or myself,” Victoria says.

“I won’t change what I have done. If we ever get back to a point of everything being safe I will keep my shops as they are.

“When people come down on holiday they do forget about the virus and social distancing just goes out of the window. We have a two-metre rule in the shop and some people love it while others think it is ridiculous… but we don’t want to get ill.

“I went kayaking the other day and I heard someone with a northern accent on the beach. They were doing no social distancing whatsoever and it just made me want to jump in the sea and get away as quickly as possible.

“I won’t go to the beach. I keep myself to myself. There are just too many people at the moment.”

The last few months have taken their toll regardless of the virus stats. Any further delay in easing lockdown would have even more businesses facing closure than have already done so.

Now hotels, B&Bs, campsites, theme parks, ice cream vendors are all open again and have rarely been busier, boosted by a nation of holidaymakers desperate for a sense of freedom but fearful that overseas travel could mean contracting the virus, a two-week spell in quarantine on their return, or both.

And therein lies the catch-22 for many in Devon and Cornwall – they have to reopen and welcome visitors from other parts of the UK where the virus is more prevalent in order for survive economically, but what will the cost be to their own health?

Croyde and Georgeham in North Devon is home to one of the country’s most magnificent beaches and anything up to 10,000 holidaymakers in peak season – but a mere 700 or so hardy souls out of it.

“It’s probably busier now than in previous years, but that’s because people are staying in the UK rather than going abroad,” says parish council chairman John Symonds, who has counted himself among those 700 his whole life.

“Holidaymakers aren’t adhering to social distancing, it’s carnage down there. One campsite has a rule of 10 metres between each tent, but another site has got 1,200 people packed into a small field. What can you do?

“People and businesses have had it hard out there and now they are trying to catch up. You cannot blame them for taking the money now it’s on offer. I don’t think it will cause a second spike, but it’s obvious something will happen here.”

Sam Scott, a resident of neighbouring Ilfracombe for 15 years, agrees.

“At the start of lockdown I would have been outraged at holidaymakers coming down here, but now I’m more accepting of it,” he says.

“Yes, I am concerned about holidaymakers spreading the virus, but I would be more concerned about holiday businesses around North Devon going under. It’s a really fine line between protecting vulnerable people in the community and in Devon hospitals, and looking after local businesses.

“If people weren’t on holiday I like to think they would be a bit more sensible when it comes to social distancing, but I can understand them not doing it – they are on holiday and want to relax.”

Sunseekers have certainly seen the recent heatwave as an opportunity to make the most of the southwest.

From Lulworth Cove to Bubleigh Salterton, from St Ives to Bude, Woolacombe to Minehead and every beach in between, accents from all over the country can be heard – as commonplace as the pasty shops.

The corner of the UK thronging with people is nothing new in summer, but when you add in the need for social distancing the narrow lanes and 50cm wide cobbled pavements only heighten the sense of claustrophobia.

In Totnes cars have been banned completely from the narrow main road through the town on Saturday mornings in order to allow pedestrian shoppers to socially distance – it’s simply impossible to do so otherwise.

Other resorts such as Perranporth in North Cornwall have put cones down in the roads of the busiest streets and employed marshalls in an attempt to widen the pavements.

“It’s better than nothing,” said one local resident. “You speak to tourists who say they have come down here to get away from the virus… but I’m thinking ‘you could be bringing it down to us’.

“At this time of year it’s usually busy, but this year it’s just gone completely mental. We will be lucky to not get a second spike.”

 

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EDDC press release on GESP decision – Statement from Leader Paul Arnott

21 August 2020 eastdevon.gov.uk 

Council votes in favour of recommendation from its Strategic Planning Committee

At its Full Council meeting last night (Thursday 20st August), East Devon District Council agreed to withdraw from the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP), following a recommendation from the Strategic Planning Committee on 23rd July.

The Council approved the Committee’s recommendation to:

  • Notify our district partners that we are withdrawing from the GESP;
  • In that letter we offer assurance that we will fulfil our duty to co-operate in an ongoing and positive partnership;
  • That this council immediately begins the process to renew our local plan and that the Strategic Planning Committee meets as soon as possible to explore and define the processes involved.

A recorded vote was taken and 33 councillors voted in favour, with 22 against and 1 abstention.

Today the Council’s Leader, Cllr Paul Arnott, will write as requested by the Council to the leaders of Exeter, Mid Devon and Teignbridge councils – the proposed partners in GESP – to outline the East Devon councillors’ reasons for wishing to depart. He said he will also stress East Devon’s ongoing commitment to positive partnership working with them, as happens in the Enterprise Zone and the Exeter Science Park currently.

Cllr Arnott said:

I will also say that although the government’s new white paper – “Planning for the Future” – proposes to remove the “duty to co-operate” between neighbour councils, East Devon will continue to observe the spirit of this duty in any case.

The council’s work now refocuses immediately on responding to the consultation document for the white paper. We will also now direct all the energy and resources used by GESP work within its planning team to an immediate review of our own Local Plan. Discussions on the processes for that will be urgent priorities in the next raft of Strategic Planning committee meetings.

It is a central commitment of this council to work for sustainable economic growth and attainable homes and where this involves cross-district collaboration we will embrace this enthusiastically.

Sadly, the GESP envelope placed the cart before the horse. What was needed was a genuine consultation on what our residents want and need in terms of transport infrastructure, green homes, economic initiatives and so on in a post-pandemic Devon.

The consultation that had been prepared paid lip service to these but was mainly an alarming push to “consult” on vast new tracts of green fields going under concrete with promises of infrastructure gains that were plainly mere aspirations. Yet again, many councillors described GESP as a “developer’s charter”.

Crucially, of the 60 members of East Devon Council just 22 were prepared to back staying in the GESP. It is to be hoped that the 22 can now move on to work with the great majority of democratically elected councillors who wish to defend our district against the government’s ill-conceived ideas for the Planning system and to help us re-make a better and more sustainable Local Plan.”

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GESP – How your Councillors voted by Ward

These are the voting results as Owl recorded them last night, they have been cross-checked but it is always possible, with a long list, for inadvertent errors to creep in – if you spot any please let Owl know.

To avoid confusion about what voting for or against the motion put to Council means, Owl has used the term “Stay” to indicate those voting to stay in GESP and “Leave” for those voting to leave.

33 Councillors voted to leave and 22 Councillors voted to stay in GESP; there was one abstention, three Councillors sent their apologies and one was absent.

Essentially those voting to stay, were all the Conservatives present and all the self-styled “Independent Group”. These are the remainder of Ben Ingham’s group of “Independents” who did not join the Majority Group or form Cranbrook Voice. The other unaligned “Independent” from the Ingham Group, Cllr Peter Faithfull, also voted to stay in the GESP.

Axminster

Councillor Ian Hall

Councillor Sarah Jackson

Councillor Andrew Moulding

  

Stay

Leave

Stay
Beer and Branscombe

Councillor Geoff Pook

  

Stay
Broadclyst

Councillor Sarah Chamberlain

Councillor Christopher Pepper

Councillor Eleanor Rylance

  

Leave

—– Absent

Leave
Budleigh and Raleigh

Councillor Alan Dent

Councillor Paul Jarvis

Councillor Tom Wright

  

Stay

Stay

Stay
Clyst Valley

Councillor Mike Howe

  

Stay
Coly Valley

Councillor Paul Arnott

Councillor Helen Parr

  

Leave

Stay
Cranbrook

Councillor Kevin Blakey

Councillor Kim Bloxham

Councillor Sam Hawkins

  

Leave

Leave

Leave
Dunkeswell and Otterhead

Councillor Colin Brown

Councillor David Key

  

Stay

Stay
Exe Valley

Councillor Fabian King

  

Leave
Exmouth Brixington

Councillor Fred Caygill

Councillor Maddy Chapman

Councillor Andrew Colman

  

Stay

Stay

Leave
Exmouth Halsdon

Councillor Megan Armstrong

Councillor Paul Millar

Councillor Tony Woodward

  

Leave

Leave

Leave
Exmouth Littleham

Councillor Bruce De Saram

Councillor Nick Hookway

Councillor Chris Wright

  

Stay

Leave

Stay
Exmouth Town

Councillor Olly Davey

Councillor Joe Whibley

Councillor Eileen Wragg

  

Leave

Leave

Leave
Exmouth Withycombe Raleigh

Councillor Steve Gazzard

Councillor Brenda Taylor

  

——Abstain

Leave
Feniton

Councillor Susie Bond

  

Stay
Honiton St. Michael’s

Councillor Mike Allen

Councillor Luke Jeffery

Councillor Phil Twiss

  

——-Apologies

Leave

——-Apologies
Honiton St. Paul’s

Councillor Dean Barrow

Councillor Tony McCollum

  

Stay

Leave
Newbridges

Councillor Ian Chubb

  

Stay
Newton Poppleford and Harpford

Councillor Val Ranger

  

Leave
Ottery St Mary

Councillor Peter Faithfull

Councillor Vicky Johns

Councillor Geoff Pratt

  

Stay

Leave

Leave
Seaton

Councillor Marcus Hartnell

Councillor Dan Ledger

Councillor Jack Rowland

  

——Apologies

Leave

Leave
Sidmouth Rural

Councillor John Loudoun

  

Leave
Sidmouth Sidford

Councillor Stuart Hughes

Councillor Dawn Manley

Councillor Marianne Rixson

  

Stay

Leave

Leave
Sidmouth Town

Councillor Denise Bickley

Councillor Cathy Gardner

  

Leave

Leave
Tale Vale

Councillor Philip Skinner

  

Stay
Trinity

Councillor Ian Thomas

  

Stay
West Hill and Aylesbeare

Councillor Jess Bailey

  

Leave
Whimple and Rockbeare

Councillor Kathy McLauchlan

  

Leave
Woodbury and Lympstone

Councillor Ben Ingham

Councillor Geoff Jung

  

Stay

Leave
Yarty

Councillor Paul Hayward

  

Leave

 

 

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DevonLive on East Devon withdraws from GESP

East Devon votes to withdraw from the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com 

East Devon District Council has officially withdrawn from the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan.

The council on Thursday night voted by 33 votes to 22 to inform their partners that they would no longer be part of the major blueprint for development for the region.

The Greater Exeter Strategic Plan was due to provide the overall strategy and level of housing and employment land required across Exeter, East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge in the period to 2040.

But while Exeter and Teignbridge councils had recommended going out to consultation on the draft policies and site options document, East Devon will now no longer be part of the process, and Mid Devon’s council when they meet on Wednesday are recommended to make the same decision.

East Devon’s strategic planning committee at the end of July had spent four hours debating the GESP before making their recommendation to full council, but at Thursday night’s meeting, chairman of the council, Cllr Cathy Gardner, only allowed the eight councillors who had ‘called the minute for debate’ to speak, saying that all the points had been made and across the two meetings, everyone had a chance to speak.

Cllr Paul Arnott, leader of the council, put forward his proposal that East Devon should withdraw from GESP, continue to co-operate with neighbouring councils, and that East Devon begins the process to renew the Local Plan.

In a speech in which he said he was pre-empting some of the arguments that would be made against pulling out, Cllr Arnott said: “They may say that it is only democratic that people should have their say on the consultation document, yet this is the first time that GESP has ever been discussed at full council.

“They may say we will receive no infrastructure funding without GESP, but through the HoftSW, we were party to an award of £5m to the Exeter Science Park, so the argument of ‘no GESP, no cash’, was never true.

“We have a near six year land supply at the moment and the government is about to put a rocket up the timescales for local plans, which is good, and we’ll do it within 18-20 months and make it happen, so there is no need to fret about housing numbers. There may be sour group attacks, but if any of them want to grandstand then press on, but if they keep shooting themselves in the foot, they won’t have enough toes left to count their votes.”

Cllr Ben Ingham, the former leader of the council, said that by leading GESP, East Devon can control its own destiny, but going it alone will make their vulnerable. He added: “It has taken us years to cooperate to gain the attention and financial support of government. When we lobby, they listen and when we plan together, they are interested.”

Cllr Andrew Moulding, leader of the Conservative Group, added: “The GESP is just draft and not all proposals will be adopted. A joint plan will give us a clear plan for the area for accessing funding and a coordinated approach is the only way forward for the long term benefit of Devon residents.”

Cllr Alan Dent added: “We should support it in principle, despite the way it has been conceived. It is a mistake to reject the whole concept until a proper consultation takes place, like throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” while Cllr Philip Skinner said that we have to deal with the housing numbers come what may, so surely the best way to work cohesively with partners and go forward with the GESP,.

And Cllr Helen Parr added: “The leader of the Democratic Alliance does not want to consult residents. He doesn’t want residents to have their say on a draft plan he has every confidence they don’t like. The whole point is that we could put in our views and so could the members of the public. How can we make the plan reflect the public views if we don’t ask their ask them?”

After the eight councillors who had called for the minute from the strategic planning committee to be debated has spoken, Cllr Gardner called an end to the debate and moved to the vote, much to the displeasure of Cllr Ian Thomas, a former leader of the council, who when he cast his vote, said that he wanted it noted that he was strongly disappointed that as a former leader, he wasn’t allowed to speak on what he said will potentially prove ‘the most ill-informed and irresponsible decision’.

When it had been discussed at the strategic planning committee, Cllr Eleanor Rylance had proposed that East Devon withdraw from GESP, saying that the plan was not fit to be consulted on now or at any point.

She added: “They say a camel is a horse designed by committee and this is what this is. We are being asked to send a camel out to consultation, and instead of putting forward this monstrosity of a dead camel, we should withdraw from GESP. This plan is not a fit plan and there is nothing about we should pass to consultation at this point or any point.

“This has self-contradictory polices clearly written by different people and it is unreasonable to put this before anyone. We are living in a different world from when this was drawn up and our world has changed and I am bemused that we are sticking doggedly to a timetable drawn up last year.

“This defies common sense, this does nothing for East Devon, and we should not be a member of GESP going forward. This document is all about volume house building, is dangerously flawed and contradictory.”

Councillors on Thursday voted by 33 votes to 22, with one abstention, for East Devon to withdraw from the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan.

The council will now immediately begin the process to renewing its local plan and the strategic planning committee will meets as soon as possible to explore and define the processes involved.

Mid Devon District Council meets on Wednesday night and they are recommended to withdraw from GESP as well.

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Cleaning the Augean stable – Last night’s statements

From a correspondent:

The Leader of the Council, Paul Arnott, grasps the importance of the public’s perception of ethical standards expected from those working and elected in the public sector and, surely, all would agree that the 7 Nolan principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership are an aim we should all try to aspire to in every walk of life.

Owl believes this is what was said under Agenda Item 6 last night:

Cllr Cathy Gardner, Chair EDDC 

“Some of you will know that I became involved in local politics because I was concerned about probity in planning. That was in 2013, at the time of the Graham Brown affair. I quickly got to know neighbours and others in East Devon who shared my concerns, and more. Now that I am Chair of EDDC it is a vital part of my role to safeguard the reputation of this Council and rid ourselves of that legacy. In order to do that I believe we must take positive steps to improve public perception of how we operate, especially when it comes to aspects of planning. We must ensure that our processes are totally robust and our behaviour is beyond reproach. I will hand over to the Leader, Cllr Paul Arnott who will explain….” 

Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader EDDC 

“This morning, the Chair called a meeting with the CEO and the Monitoring Officer, and invited the Chair of Planning, the Deputy Leader and me. 

We had a positive and wide-ranging discussion on how we can make sure that even as busy members and officers we adhere to the commitment to the Nolan Principles at all times. There is a difference between lip service and implementation, and all councils with duties in Planning must make sure that implementation is its watchword.  

This discussion had been triggered now for urgent action by a number of factors.  

From the recent past, it is clear that the failure of this council to go ahead with the Task and Finish Forum commissioned to look into the Brown issue -mentioned by the Chair – and into the role and influence of the former East Devon Business Forum, was a serious error of judgement. It gave the impression – whatever the case – that members and the public had no legitimate right to understand these unhappy matters. There had been a chance to clean the stable – instead the broom was snapped and the stable door locked. It was business as usual. 

However, the timing now has been mainly triggered by the need to look to the immediate future, and the time for action is here as the council, like the nation, enters some of the most challenging times for Planning in our history. We cannot fulfil our duty to the Nolan principles when the public is still unsure about the role of undue influence in our Planning Choices, our site identification. Or where their community’s S106 money has got to. 

Imminently, we re-engage with our Local Plan process. There were serious and unanswered questions about a number of sites which came in under the bar at the eleventh hour in the current plan in 2015, and members have repeated the concerns about the sporadic undeclared interests of some members in this council and their alliance with large-scale landowners in relation to the draft consultation for the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan. 

We cannot make a clean start on our new plan-making process without absolute clarity and commitment to the highest standards of member and officer probity. Soon, in addition, we will have to respond to the government’s consultation on Planning changes. This council will have an obligation to include in that the risks – nationally acknowledged – of local and national undue influence, corruption some might say, in that too. As we know, the Sec of State whose name is on the draft consultation helped in the cause of the international pornographer, Richmond Desmond, who hoped avoid millions of pound in CIL. He is but one of a legion of developer donors to the Tory party. That, I am afraid to say, Conservative members and friends, is your party. Well we are not having that here. 

Therefore, the Chair will host another meeting next Thursday on this topic with those gathered today, and arising from that I will write as Leader to the Chair and the CEO advising that we will have an agenda item to discuss how we structure our immediate work on this topic at the next available Cabinet.” 

 

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Opposition grows to housing plan as part of Tipton school relocation

 

Responses to the plan for a new primary school in Ottery and an accompanying housing development continue to mount up, with objections vastly outweighing those in favour.

 

The consultation on the proposed replacement for Tipton Primary School ends on Sunday, August 23, after being extended by East Devon District Council (EDDC).

The proposal, by Devon County Council (DCC), is for a 210-pupil primary school on land it owns opposite Barrack Farm, along with a development of up to 150 homes which would fund the £7.2million school.

DCC argues that the existing school is in a flood risk area and has to be relocated; that there is no suitable site in the village, and that there is a need for extra primary school places in Ottery St Mary.

So far 122 objections have been submitted, and 14 expressions of support.

The over-riding message from respondents is that the proposed site was designated in the Ottery and West Hill Neighbourhood Plan as being suitable for community and education use, but protected from housing, and that the plan for new homes should be scrapped.

Most objectors say Ottery St Mary already has too much new housing and no more is needed. Concerns are expressed about extra traffic on already busy roads, and additional pressure on health and leisure services. The over-riding feeling among objectors is that the housing development is unwelcome. Some say it is not needed to fund the new school, as the cost of rebuilding Tipton Primary should come from the Government’s School Building Fund.

Objectors to the housing scheme also dispute the suitability of the land for development. Devon County Council and its building consultants state that the part of the site earmarked for construction is in a low flood risk area. But many respondents say building on it could cause problems with water run-off, and increase the risk of flooding to lower lying properties on Cadhay Lane and the Thorne Farm estate.

Some respondents argue that Tipton Primary School should remain in the village, saying its loss will be disastrous for the community. But many agree that its current buildings are not fit for purpose, and believe all attempts to keep it in Tipton have already been explored.

In response to the comments made during the consultation, a spokesman for Devon County Council said:

“We are well aware of the very complex issues surrounding this application and the difficult decision that planners will have to make.

“However there is a clear and demonstrable need for the flood-threatened Tipton St John primary school to be relocated.

“There is also a clear and demonstrable need for a new primary school in Ottery St Mary where there are currently around 100 more children of primary school age than the local school can accommodate.

“Our application also provides that almost one third of the proposed new houses should be affordable which would be of significant community benefit to the town.

“We are also proposing that a large part of the site is set aside for public green space with more land being managed for ecological benefit.

“The agreed plan for the area allocates land for education and community use and it is our contention that all of these benefits should be taken into account in deciding the application.”

Ottery Town Council will discuss its response to the application on Thursday, September 3, with the final decision to be made by EDDC.

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A Correspondent’s view of last night’s debate including the Statement from Chairman and Leader

EAST DEVON RESULT ON GESP – WE’RE OUT – BUT NOT DOWNHEARTED!

“It was reassuring that the recommendation by the Strategic Planning Committee to Council to withdraw from the GESP was carried by 33 votes to 22 with one abstention at the Council’s Virtual meeting last night and it is hoped that Mid Devon District Council will follow this lead and also withdraw next week. 

EDDC’s live streaming on Youtube is welcome as it gives the public an insight into the world of local politics and an opportunity to listen to the characters and qualities of those who have been elected to represent the people of East Devon.

The Leader of the Council, Paul Arnott, grasps the importance of the public’s perception of ethical standards expected from those working and elected in the public sector and, surely, all would agree that the 7 Nolan principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership are an aim we should all try to aspire to in every walk of life.

For the ordinary residents of East Devon, GESP has seemed opaque (even secretive) and any public consultation would have been unlikely to show the public’s widespread views because lack of transparency has left people in the dark and precluded and consequently very few would have felt confident to make representations on GESP – leaving only local government officers, members, local business people, landowners and developers to represent their opinions, which may have proved somewhat biased.

Last night saw a chameleon-like speaker (who changes colours regularly) bleating incessantly, while others pontificated desperately trying to reverse the withdrawal from the GESP recommended by the new Strategic Planning Committee, by scaremongering and threatening Westminster intervention and unitary status, but the public perception is that they would all do well to re-read the 7 Nolan principles and endeavour to follow them as a first step to representing the people of East Devon.”

[Owl intends to publish more on the Chairman’s and Leader’s statement – working on the transcript]

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RIP GESP – Owl’s summary of last night’s debate

Debate on this item started around 40 minutes into the meeting with the recorded vote starting around 1hr 8 mins.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNHQruge3LVI4hcgRnbwBw

The EDDC coalition of Democratic Alliance (East Devon Alliance, Libdem, Greens, Independents) and Independent Progressive Councillors has only a narrow majority. It does not impose a “whip” on its members. Every vote is therefore a potential cliffhanger. For example, in this vote one Libdem abstained.

Discipline, on the other hand, is the one thing at which the Conservative Party excels. It is their great strength but also their weakness. It makes the party inward looking and slow to pick up on changes in mood not just in the party but in the community. Pursuing the party line blinds to arguments.

As soon as it was revealed, at the start of last night’s meeting, that three Conservatives had sent their apologies (later, another failed to show) the die was cast, the game was over.

And it showed when it got to their lacklustre performance in the debate. For the first time they looked, and sounded, defeated.

Council Leader, Cllr Paul Arnott explained that the Government White Paper proposed to tear up the duty to co-operate with neighbouring authorities. But under his administration, if the decision was taken to pull out from GESP, EDDC would continue to cooperate. He laid out a strategy to start immediately to revise the Local Plan and prepare to meet the White Paper proposals whilst making a strong consultation response to counter them. EDDC, he said, was in a strong position with a six year land supply.

In contrast, it appears that the Conservative councillors who spoke have not yet grasped the significance of what their Government is planning to do, nor what the GESP is all about. We heard the astonishing suggestion from both “Build,build, build” Cllr Helen Parr and Cllr Philip Skinner that the GESP was the best way to preserve the beauty of East Devon! Our “Chameleon” Cllr Ben Ingam painted GESP as delivering some Nirvana that Owl obviously failed to spot when reading the documents. 

As Chairman, Cathy Gardner, pointed out, more than four hours of debate had been held in the Strategic Planning Committee when, Cllr Dan Ledger, its Chairman, called every EDDC Councillor who wished to speak before going into the Committee session. There was also a significant contribution from the public.

The Chairman had asked that points be kept short and to concentrate on changes that had happened since the earlier debate. After about 30 minutes, and when it became apparent that Councillors were going over old ground and repeating arguments, she called the vote.

The recorded vote was carried 33 for 22 against one formal abstention (Libdem)

Three Conservative Councillors sent in their apologies in advance: Cllrs Allen, Hartnell and Twiss, and one, Cllr Pepper, failed to show..

Owl will produce a post in due course recording the result of the vote in each ward.  

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Student flats U-turn at Exeter ambulance station site

A coincidence but a very prophetic one – Exeter needs to take a different direction – Owl

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com 

Plans for the redevelopment of the former ambulance station in Exeter will now see a purpose-built high-quality co-living development rather than student flats provided.

The latest proposals for the redevelopment of the Gladstone Road have been drawn up following in-depth discussions with Exeter City Council planners over many months.

The original scheme from the Watkin Jones Group would have seen the existing buildings on Gladstone Road demolished and replaced with a five storey student flats block of 154 bedspaces in a mixture of studios and cluster flats – 37 studios and 117 cluster rooms.

But those plans have now been revised and will instead see 134 co-living studios provided on the site.

Iain Smith, Planning Director for Watkin Jones, said: “We know that Exeter City Council has identified that co-living developments such as this will provide much-needed housing to help retain graduates in the city, helping it meet its ambitions for employment and productivity growth.

“We have been working closely with the council’s planning team for many months to bring forward proposals to help the city meet its ambitions and have incorporated a number of design changes following those discussions.

“The proposed scheme has been completely redesigned to reduce scale and massing. The introduction of pitched roofs means the building sits very comfortably within the immediate neighbourhood. We have also achieved larger room sizes for the 134 co-living studios, each of which will accommodate a double bed, kitchenette, bathroom, study area and casual seating within a 20 sq. m room – larger than the average co-living studio in other UK cities.

“The Gladstone Road co-living development provides high-quality managed accommodation for independent living with ground-floor communal areas including a large multi-station kitchen and dining area, a fully equipped laundry, a dedicated games room, computer room and lounge area.

“Tenants will be able to walk, cycle or catch a bus to their place of employment, whether it is in the city centre, the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, the Met Office or Exeter Science Park, for example.

“The location is also ideal for residents to be able to take advantage of the city’s major leisure, entertainment, and retail offerings.

“Our proposal will also, unlike purpose-built student accommodation, contribute directly to the city by way of council tax which will be paid via the building’s operator.

“Besides the immediate benefits to the local area and the city as a whole, the sale of the site will also release funds to the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

“This development will provide high-quality accommodation in the heart of the city, helping the council achieve its ambition of balanced and sustainable communities in Exeter, while retaining graduates in key fields such as digital and climate change.”

Subject to planning permission, it is hoped that the accommodation will welcome its first new residents in 2022.

Exeter City Council planners will determine the fate of the application at a later date.

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has previously confirmed that the Exeter ambulance station in Gladstone Road is being sold with the sale said to be ‘progressing’ and that they are in the process of identifying a suitable alternative site in Exeter.

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Changing of the Guard in the AONB

Owl , obviously, has a particular interest in who represents the Council on the two AONB. Owl is, therefore, delighted that the old guard have been completely replaced:

In the Blackdown Hills AONB by Cllr Paul Hayward.

In the East Devon AONB  Cllrs Pook and Parr are replaced by Cllrs Geoff Pratt and Marianne Rixon.

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Flash news: EDDC result on GESP – We’re Out

Debate on this item started around 40 minutes into the meeting with the recorded vote starting around 1hr 8 mins.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNHQruge3LVI4hcgRnbwBw

Vote carried 33 for 22 against one formal abstention

 

 

It is worth noting that three Conservative Councillors sent in their apologies: Cllrs Allen, Hartnell and Twiss

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Flash news: EDDC Announcement from the Chairman and Leader

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNHQruge3LVI4hcgRnbwBw

The Chairman and Leader have just announced their intention to increase probity in planning with a follow up meeting shortly to flesh out the details of a “cleaning of the slate” based on the Nolan principles. They were obviously deeply unhappy with the reputation of EDDC planning in the past few years.

They wished to ensure the error of judgement in not pursuing the infamous Graham Brown affair is never repeated; that there are no more undisclosed interests, that the public can see that “undue” influences do not play a part in planning decisions.

The watchwords appeared to be clarity and commitment.

 

These are very much Owl’s first thoughts whilst the debate on GESP is live

 

 

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Honiton Town Council Eighth resignation this year!

Honiton Town Council loses longstanding member and former mayor

  Posted: 19.08.20 at 15:19 by Hannah Corfield honiton.nub.news

Honiton Town Council has lost yet another member, after the eighth resignation so far this year was announced today (Aug 19).

Caroline Kolek has taken the decision to stand down having served on the council for six years, two of which were as mayor.

She told Honiton Nub News: “It is with some sadness I resign from Honiton Town Council, however I want to achieve much more for our wonderful community.

“I believe I can only do this by working with Honiton Forward.

“Our stand in the town centre last Saturday was extremely positive, with huge support for what we are aiming to achieve.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as a councillor for the last six years and the two years I spent as mayor was a real honour.

“For those two years my diary was packed attending numerous events, working with local groups and representing the town. Doing this alongside a full time teaching career was hard work – but such fun. I hope I served the Town well.

“My focus now lies working within the community.”

Honiton Town Council is reduced to just nine councillors, with one member unable to partake in council business due to health reasons.

Vacancies will remain unfilled until an election can be held next year, due to a significant number of Honiton residents writing to the Monitoring Officer at East Devon District Council – read more here.

Honiton Nub News contacted Mayor John Zarczynski, but he failed to comment.

 

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MPs ‘advising’ big business undermines democracy. Second jobs should be banned 

Sajid Javid – the former chancellor, once a candidate to lead the Conservative Party, and still the member of parliament for Bromsgrove – has been hired as a global advisor to JP Morgan, one of the world’s largest banks. Second jobs of this kind for MPs corrupt our democracy, which is why they should be banned by law.

Zarah Sultana www.theguardian.com 

Javid is far from alone among senior Conservatives who have had second jobs. Shortly before she was appointed the home secretary last year, Priti Patel was being paid £1,000 an hour as an adviser to a firm that supplies services to the Ministry of Defence, while Jacob Rees-Mogg is in line for £800,000 in dividend payments from the investment fund he founded and which he continued to work for part-time when he became an MP in 2010 (he cut his operating links with the firm only when he joined the cabinet in 2019).

The issue goes beyond sitting MPs as well. The path from political office to well-paid external roles is well trodden. After he stepped down as prime minister, Tony Blair also took a lucrative role at JP Morgan . The former Conservative chancellor George Osborne took a highly paid role at BlackRock, the world’s largest investment firm, among many other jobs after leaving parliament in 2017.

And another former Tory chancellor, Philip Hammond, recently nominated for a peerage by Boris Johnson, is now a paid adviser to the finance minister of the Saudi government as it takes up the rotating G20 presidency.

Our political leaders should serve the people, not global banking giants or investment funds. Frankly, between casework, holding surgeries, supporting constituency events and attending parliament, I don’t know how they find the time. But the problem with these jobs goes much deeper than that.

Javid now has a personal financial interest in the success of a major global bank. This might not be such a problem if the interests of big banks happily coincided with our interests, but that’s not the case. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, banks including JP Morgan lobbied hard for banking regulation to be weakened. Quick profits were to be made, and “red tape” was getting in the way. They succeeded in persuading politicians to deregulate – and then the 2008 financial crisis hit.

Big banks had taken huge risks, and made billions of pounds in profits and bonuses; but when their luck ran out, they got bailed out. They never paid the price but we did, with a decade of cuts and stagnating wages from successive Conservative-led governments.

The truth is, second jobs are one part of a whole web of mechanisms that big businesses and the super-rich uses to influence MPs and government policy, which includes donations, dinners and the revolving door between the private sector and legislators. They send gifts and offer to take MPs on trips. As Dennis Skinner once joked, it’s always “Bahamas in the winter … they never go on a fact-finding mission to Greenland in the winter!”

This is all done to influence legislators and government policy, further aligning the interests of politicians and multinational corporations. The majority of the people, meanwhile, get a raw deal as a result.

To maximise their profits, big businesses want low taxes, low wages and low regulation. Most of us, by contrast, have an interest in decent public services – funded through taxes on the wealthiest – good and rising wages, and strong regulations to protect our rights.

But cosy relationships with the private sector have held sway for too long. It’s no coincidence that the Conservative party, which has cut corporation tax to one of the lowest rates in the world, receives donations from one-third of the UK’s richest people; nor is it a coincidence that it lets an estimated £90bn in tax be dodged every year, or that the UK had a record number of billionaires at the same time as a record number of food banks. These two records are connected: politicians have made decisions that benefit their funders, not the poorest.

It’s not easy to get parliament to change its ways. Many MPs have huge financial interests in having jobs alongside their parliamentary responsibilities. And the Conservative party is hardly going to bring in rules to stop the super-rich spending fortunes to influence elections and subvert democracy.

But to change Britain, and to build a society that works for all, we have to end the grip of big businesses and the super-rich on our politics. That change can come only from the grassroots up. As the coronavirus pandemic has exposed inequalities like never before, now is the time to build that power and to demand real change.

  • Zarah Sultana is the Labour MP for Coventry South