Would I be right in saying that many of you support the Devon Historic Houses Trust?

In which case are you aware of the recently published book of The Knowle launched last week, describing a site with the richest and most important history of any in this town?

Are you aware, for instance, that many interior features survive of this former hotel building that was described by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in the nineteen fifties as “of outstanding historical interest” (p49)?

And are you aware (again I quote) that “over the years Knowle has hosted many civic events and the large reception rooms are still in use by many local groups” – for concerts, religious services and wedding receptions, for instance – and that “such a venue will be hard to replace”(p66).

And are cllrs also aware that, in the East Devon Open Space Report last year, Knowle’s grounds, including the fine prospect from its upper lawns, is singled out, along with only Killerton and Connaught Gardens, as of special importance, to be preserved and enhanced?

Would cllrs now agree that it would be an act of civic vandalism to destroy our precious heritage, deprive us of a valued community asset and also spoil our splendid park by demolishing this building and allowing development south into the gardens as far as the listed Gothic folly beyond the edge of the fine lawned prospect?