On this morning’s BBC Breakfast Radio programme, Councillor Paul Diviani stated his opinion that East Devon’s Areas of Outstanding Beauty would not benefit from closer links with those in Dorset, in the creation of a ‘Jurassic’ National Park.  Tonight’s Cabinet meeting (5.30, Knowle) is due to reiterate that opinion.

Some on the District Council do not necessarily agree, however (See Councillors call for proper debate SOS post, 7th June). And Dorset is firmly in favour of the National Park proposal (See http://futuresforumvgs.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=National+Park )

The debate continues this evening, from 6.30 on Spotlight TV  (Details at next SOS post today)

It was a very long day for yesterday’s Development Management Committee,  in a Council Chamber absolutely packed with protesters. The planning application for a major mixed use development on the Green Wedge between Seaton and Colyford, was soundly rejected after strongly argued representations from the public.

But the Friends of Elizabeth Hall, despite their long and passionate battle, with over 12,000 signatures collected, heard that a Premier Inn will now replace the building…. radically changing the character of this Exmouth seafront site.

There were several incidents of  high drama at this DMC meeting. More details soon on SOS.