The basic supposition behind EDDC’s office relocation project, is that it is a matter for the whole District. Very odd, therefore, that EDDC’s public consultation on the appropriation and disposal of extra land on the Knowle site, to suit the developer, was not extended to the those who live outside the Sid Valley. In answer to a question from the public, Henry Gordon-Lennox, of EDDC’s legal department, explained at last night’s special combined Scrutiny and Audit meeting, that there is no legal obligation to do so.
But many voters outside Sidmouth have strong views on the financial implications of the relocation plan, which EDDC Deputy Chief Executive, Richard Cohen, again confirmed last night, will take 20 years to pay off. EDDC’s perceived casual approach to public consultation on a multi-million pound scheme blighted with uncertainties, one again calls the leadership of the relocation project into disrepute.
Results of public consultation on Appropriation and Disposal of land at Knowle.
The 140 letters of objection sent to EDDC legal team have not carried any weight, as they were all only “of Sidmouth concern”, Richard Cohen told last night’s Cabinet meeting.
An initial report of the meeting is at this link: http://eastdevonwatch.org/2015/03/12/a-very-noisy-group-of-people-in-sidmouth-have-irritated-cllr-tim-wood/
Sidmouth’s signature landmark to become large retirement community?
EDDC is determined to change the use of Sidmouth’s Knowle site from employment land to restricted residential. See http://eastdevonwatch.org/2015/03/04/knowle-bidder-revealed-by-express-and-echo/
Save Our Sidmouth 