East Devon District Council plans to replace the existing capacious Council Chamber at Knowle, Sidmouth, with two smaller ones, at Exmouth in a renovated old Town Hall, and at Honiton Heathpark, respectively.

Following a close look at the seating provision in the proposed Exmouth Chamber (https://saveoursidmouth.com/2017/01/13/council-chambers-compared/ ) , here is a bird’s eye view of the approved plans for Honiton:

 

There are apparently 49 seats available for councillors and officers in the new HQ plans.
Would the remaining councillors therefore sit in the front row with their backs to the public?
Is it reasonable to expect that a purpose built £11m chamber would be able to accommodate a full council meeting?

See also  https://saveoursidmouth.com/2016/12/31/turning-our-backs-on-2016-raising-a-glass-to-the-new-year/