Moving and Improving
East Devon District Council is considering options for addressing the rising cost and other issues raised by its ageing Knowle headquarters, which may include relocating to purpose-built offices somewhere else.
We are taking some time to consider our next steps following the refusal of outline planning permission for redeveloping parts of Knowle.
With around £1M in urgent or essential repairs needed at Knowle, high ongoing running and maintenance costs and an ageing office which is not really suitable for running a modern business, we are clear that something must change.
We’re committed to making sure that a relocation would be ‘cost-neutral’, meaning the cost of building somewhere new would be offset and completed at no cost to the Council Tax payer.
As part of the project we are reviewing our presence in Exmouth and other towns and there may be an opportunity to improve the service we give to residents.
The possible relocation is being guided by leading councillors with support from council officers. Any decision on relocating would be made by Full Council at a public meeting. The emphasis now is on assessing our options and looking at costs so that councillors can make an informed decision when the time comes.
By late June 2013 we will be providing more details about upcoming milestones, including likely dates for any meetings or decisions about the project.
Outline Planning Application
The Outline Planning Application for the Knowle site was refused by the Development Management Committee in March 2013. The application included a number of reports and studies which can be viewed by following this link:
Page last updated on 23 May 2013
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