Moving and Improving - FAQ
1 How long has EDDC been based at Knowle?
2 Why is the Council thinking of moving now?
4 What are the benefits of moving to Honiton?
5 What is the move going to cost?
6 Will the Council Tax payers have to foot the bill?
7 How much will EDDC save by moving?
8 Will the move be a good thing for people who want to visit the Council’s offices?
10 What will happen to the Sidmouth site if the Council moves?
11 How are EDDC going to compensate Sidmouth for the loss to the town’s economy?
12 Is EDDC consulting with the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce and other local bodies?
13 How many staff are affected by the move?
14 How many staff live in Sidmouth?
15 Will staff move away from Sidmouth if EDDC moves to Honiton?
17 What will be the benefits to Honiton from EDDC moving there?
18 Will Honiton start getting preferential treatment whilst Sidmouth gets ignored?
19 There is talk of providing more facilities in Exmouth; what are your plans?
20 What will happen to the East Devon Business Centre?
23 Manstone Depot – will it remain?
25 What is the size of the presence in Exmouth?
31 Why is EDDC only considering moving rather than refurbishing its existing premises at Knowle?
32 What will be the cost of a new building?
33 Does Sidmouth really need more housing?
34 Why did EDDC propose to develop Zone E when this is parkland with trees in it?
37 What are the critical stages of this project?
38 Will people get a chance to comment on the outline planning application for the Knowle site?
39 Can Knowle and its grounds be listed as of national and historic interest?
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1 How long has EDDC been based at Knowle?
The Council offices have been based at Knowle in Sidmouth since the formation of the district Council in 1974.
2 Why is the Council thinking of moving now?
There are three distinct reasons why EDDC is currently considering moving from Knowle.
Firstly, there are no funds currently available to pay for either a refurbishment of Knowle or a new building. Along with many other local authorities, EDDC is feeling the financial impact of reduced funding in government. EDDC wishes to ensure that any works or relocation are carried out on a cost-neutral basis with no additional expense to the Council Tax payer. EDDC is considering whether such funds can be raised by developing parts of Knowle. An Independent Consultant has been commissioned to provide a report on the financial viability of this proposal. On 01 March 2013 the council’s Development Management Committee refused planning permission for developing parts of Knowle. The impact of this decision and what it means for future plans is being considered.
Secondly, EDDC Offices at Knowle are based upon a 3-storey former hotel dating from the late 19th Century with a linked 2 and 3-storey set of purpose-built offices dating from circa 1980. The total floor area of the complex is over 7,700 m2. When EDDC took over the premises in 1974 little alteration work was carried out. The building layouts, build and design do not lend themselves to modern efficient methods of working. As a consequence the current arrangements are not now considered fit for purpose.
Thirdly, notwithstanding the need to remodel the internal layout of Knowle, many of the significant elements of the current building now need to be replaced or upgraded. These include:
Replacement of the remainder of the single glazed windows. The windows are draughty, ill fitting; many will not open/close properly and are past their sell by date. Insulation values are poor.
The incoming electric main overheats and badly needs to be upgraded. The increased use of power supplies, including ICT requirements, has caused unacceptable loads to be placed on the old system , which long past the recommended date that it should have been upgraded. Panels and distribution boards require upgrading or replacement.
The boiler and other key elements of the heating installation needs to be replaced. Radiator controls have completely failed and are impossible to replace. The storage heater system in the old hotel is unreliable. Breakdowns and unavailable spares has meant periods when the building cannot be heated. Spare parts are expensive and sometimes difficult to source.
Partial rewiring in respect of both power and data.
There are currently several different phone systems which due to age and lack of readily available spare parts are incompatible. This creates difficulties for our customers and staff.
Elements of external works including some re-tarmacing.
There are leaks appearing in the flat roofs, especially around roof lights and parapets. The roof coverings in some areas are 35 years old and will need complete renewal.
There is serious dampness appearing in and around the boiler room and basement areas.
Extensive redecoration including floor covering, replacement of sanitary fittings, kitchens etc.
Pending detailed investigations and associated design work it is anticipated that the preliminary order of costs for these works would total in excess of £1 million. A further cost would be incurred whilst the current users of the offices were relocated into temporary accommodation whilst the works were carried out.
In this difficult financial climate, it is imperative that all Councils continue to minimise costs.
A new building will provide a modern working environment in a more accessible district location for visitors and staff as well as providing an opportunity for us to adopt state-of-the-art technology for the benefit of our customers.
The Council particularly wishes to continue to embrace new technologies to allow more agile working practices which will reduce the need for such a large building as Knowle.
The exact location of the new office has not yet been finalised although the district Council aims to maximise its return on land it already owns in Honiton.
4 What are the benefits of moving to Honiton?
In combination with our continued presence in Exmouth the new HQ location in Honiton will offer a good value locationwhich is more centrally located to all four corners of the district.. The town also has both rail and bus services offering travel links to other communities as well as the new town of Cranbrook.
The Council already has staff located in and providing services from Exmouth Town Hall and we would maintain a significant presence in Exmouth if the main office moves to Honiton.
5 What is the move going to cost?
The Council has always said that the move will be achieved only on a cost-neutral basis: what we mean by this is that one of the critical success factors of the project is that we are able to move without the need to place any of the costs on the Council Tax payers of East Devon. Before any decisions are finally made, thorough due diligence will be undertaken to ensure that the project pays for itself.
6 Will the Council Tax payers have to foot the bill?
No – it is intended that a relocation will only proceed if it can cover its own financial costs.
7 How much will EDDC save by moving?
There would be immediate savings in terms of reducing the ongoing maintenance and running costs of the Knowle offices.
In terms of energy alone we anticipate that usage can be cut to a quarter of its current level by moving to a new build office with a fuel bill reduction from over £80,000 per year to under £20,000.
Question 2 above details the replacement and upgrading works that Knowle would require if we remained in situ and these costs are likely to be more than £1m.
8 Will the move be a good thing for people who want to visit the Council’s offices?
It depends where you live. Honiton is geographically more central to East Devon and has a more varied public transport offer due to its rail links. . We will also retain offices in Exmouth which is our main population centre. A new HQ will offer a more attractive and user-friendly reception area with confidential meeting rooms. Subject to cost and feasibility we would also hope to offer touch-screen and internet-based services as well as faclities for other service providers to be on hand so that our customers can have more of a one-stop-shop experience.
Subject to a financial case being established, it is envisaged that the office move would take place some time from 2015 - 2017. The timeline depends on many different things which cannot be predicted and we will keep people up to date.
10 What will happen to the Sidmouth site if the Council moves?
The Council has always recognised that its Sidmouth site is a valued asset to the town and this was reinforced during our public communication events in July 2012. The legacy that the Council leaves is very important and so the aim is to ensure that we maximise the receipt from the sale of the site whilst limiting the impact of relocating on the town’s economy. In addition, we would leave a significant area of public parkland as possible as this is clearly very important to local residents.
The council’s Outline Planning Application for 50 homes and a graduated care home has been refused, and we are considering what to do next.
11 How are EDDC going to compensate Sidmouth for the loss to the town’s economy?
The Council’s move would take away the daily presence of its workforce from Sidmouth. The new development will see new residents of the new homes and those living in care and sheltered homes, their visitors as well as the workforce employed in the care facilities spending money in Sidmouth. Part of the planning process involved the commissioning of an independent Economic Impact Assessment to investigate and report on the net economic effect of the change of use. The planning process has involved detailed consultation to facilitate the best possible re-use of the site which includes employment uses.
The independent Economic Impact Assessment identifies a worst case scenario of 71 job josses in Sidmouth over 10 years. This would be due to Sidmouth-based council staff retiring or finding work elsewhere over the next decade. This is only an informed estimate, as predicting this sort of behaviour over 10 years is not an exact science. The Assessment only looks as the Sidmouth economy, and not the potential positive impacts in other parts of the district if EDDC were to move. The report also identifies a limited impact on Sidmouth businesses, based on a survey of businesses in the area. However, over three quarters saw no reason for them to change their business plans or working practices as a result of a potential EDDC relocation.
Economic impact assessment (3172KB Portable Document Format - 18 January 2013 - PDF Help)
12 Is EDDC consulting with the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce and other local bodies?
Consultation has taken place as part of the viability assessment and planning processes for Knowle. EDDC met with the Town Council to explain its plans and the Town Council had the opportunity to express its views in the planning process, as did all individuals and organisations.
Our independent consultants made contact with local businesses including a representative of the Chamber of Commerce during preparation of the Economic Impact Assessment.
Well attended public communication events were held during July 2012, with both individuals and organisations encouraged to formally respond to a questionnaire either on the day or online.
Local people have taken the opportunity to speak and ask questions at District Council meetings and listen to member discussion on the Council’s relocation plans.
13 How many staff are affected by the move?
All staff currently working at Knowle will be affected by the office relocation. The Council is continuing to implement new technologies that allow greater flexibility and more agile, mobile working so it is envisaged that numbers moving to the new offices will ultimately be reduced.
14 How many staff live in Sidmouth?
Approximately 27% of Council staff live in Sidmouth with the rest of the Council’s employees living across the district and beyond.
15 Will staff move away from Sidmouth if EDDC moves to Honiton?
The new offices would be based some 20 minutes’ drive from Sidmouth if they were in Honiton. With a carefully designed Green Travel Plan, which would support staff in the relocation, it is not considered likely that people will decide to move away from Sidmouth unless they have other strong reasons to do so.
16 You say it will reduce the Council’s carbon footprint but what about all the Sidmouth people driving across to Honiton?
Currently 6% of staff live in Honiton many of whom drive to Sidmouth every day. Those journeys will be offset to some extent by staff driving to Honiton from Sidmouth. As part of its desire to reduce CO2 and private car journeys the Council will work closely with staff to increase public transport usage, car sharing and exploration of flexible and home working options and other similar measures that are standard practice when large employers move to new offices.
The Council’s carbon footprint will reduce as we aim to ensure that the new office is rated as BREEAM excellent just like the celebrated Met Office Building in Exeter. There will be a carbon cost to building a new office as there would be to redeveloping or refurbishing the existing Knowle offices.
17 What will be the benefits to Honiton from EDDC moving there?
The relocation will assist the town’s economy as staff bring their spending power to the local shops and businesses. The town will also benefit from the Council’s business partners, Members and customers visiting the office. On the downside there are likely to be more traffic movements in a town that has recorded levels of air pollution that are too high. The District Council will take account of these issues if the relocation goes ahead.
18 Will Honiton start getting preferential treatment whilst Sidmouth gets ignored?
The District Council shows no favour to any of its towns or villages and our processes continue to be consultative and democratic. Both the Local Plan and Council Plan demonstrate our commitment to taking a district-wide approach to deliver the Council’s ambitions.
19 There is talk of providing more facilities in Exmouth; what are your plans?
The move gives the Council an opportunity to review its presence in Exmouth and to ensure we have a joined-up approach to serving our customers in the locations and ways that suit them. As the project progresses, we will know more about the possibilities for our presence in Exmouth.
20 What will happen to the East Devon Business Centre?
The Business Centre is an East Devon success that is popular and well used. Heathpark where the Business Centre is located is a possible site for our new HQ. Early proposals are that the facilities currently provided at the Business Centre could be absorbed into the new building. This will assist in providing revenue from flexible office space. If another site is used then we would aim to retain or provide a new Business Centre facility.
21 What impact will any future development at Knowle have on the many fine trees on the site? Are the trees covered by a Tree Protection Order (TPO)?
The council’s rejected Outline Planning Application showed the loss of 18 of Knowle’s 144 trees, though 8 of these were due to age and disease.
Trees are obviously a material consideration on this site and we will deal with them as sensitively as we can through the planning process. The grounds of Knowle are the subject of an Area TPO made in 1956. The effect of this order is to protect all trees that were growing in 1956 and therefore covers any tree over 55 years old. The TPO prevents trees being removed before any detailed planning consent and protects those trees shown as retained on the approved plans, both during and after construction. The potential to retain any tree is determined by the health and condition of the individual tree and whether it has significant amenity, historic or conservation value. The Council’s own policies and the criteria set down in BS 5837:2012 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations) ensure that all trees will be taken into account and considered on their merits.
22 What will happen to existing furniture? It’s important to re-use current furniture where possible or ensure correct disposal, i.e. donated to charities or recycled.
The degree to which we will be able to newly furnish will be a factor in the overall costing of the relocation and that depends on what we generate in value from Knowle. Some furniture may also be impossible to transfer to a new HQ due to size or condition. If furniture is to be disposed of then we will definitely make best use of it and that should include donating to local organisations, charities and recycling. Any more detailed suggestions would be welcome. Naturally anyone who has specially adapted furniture will want to take this with them.
23 Manstone Depot – will it remain?
This site is currently required in Sidmouth for waste reviews.Community Development Workers currently use a container based at Manstone to store their equipment.
Manstone is the subject of review as part of the wider Asset Management Strategy and the operational requirements of our Environment team. It may be that the site can be released and the depot relocated. If others also use the site then their interests will need to be factored into our planning. The site has been identified in the council's draft Local Plan as a potential site for residential housing. This is to establish the broad principle of other use and whether it is viable for homes if it became surplus to requirements in future. However, this allocation only affects the Council Depot land and not other employment units on other parts of the Manstone site, known as Manstone Workshops. In fact, plans have been approved to expand the workshops by a further two units.
24 What is the viability of money used by selling Heathpark land to fund redevelopment/refurbishment of the existing Sidmouth site?
Councillors have made clear their desire to move if the financial viability is clear. Refurbishment of Knowle would, in reality, mean gutting or demolishing existing buildings and investing in entirely new power, heating and ICT, not to mention trying to work in the middle of a building site which could cause several years of disruption. The sale of our Heathpark land-holding alone would not fund such a project.
25 What is the size of the presence in Exmouth?
Exmouth represents around a quarter of the district’s population. The Council is committed to maintaining a significant presence in Exmouth and we will factor that into our plans. Because of a number of issues including government policy changes and the value of the Knowle site, it is not yet clear what the size or scope of our presence in Exmouth may be in the future. We will talk to our Exmouth teams and managers and keep in touch with this issue as the project moves forward.
26 When you sell Knowle, what will happen to the listed building and the grounds that are open to the public?
There is a Grade II listed summerhouse in Knowle grounds and this will be given appropriate consideration within any planning process. It would be up to a developer to decide if they wish to retain the structure or seek to remove or relocate it and this would be part of any planning application. In terms of retained public open space at Knowle we expect that the Town Council may want to take over a proportion of the parkland and manage it for the benefit of the town generally.
27 With the possibility that the Council is moving to Honiton, what provision will be made for transport links to the new offices?
If the new offices were in the town centre bus linkage shouldn't be a problem. If the new offices were at Heathpark we will talk to local bus operators to see if they can provide a convenient service. Issues such as this will be a key feature of the Green Travel Plan which will be commissioned once we know if we are moving and where to.
28 Can you give assurances that all the current parkland areas will remain in public ownership, and with unrestricted public access?
A significant proportion of the parkland will remain in public ownership and be publicly accessible. The Council will take care to make sure that the town retains a park of scale that it can be proud of. Our refused Outline Planning Application illustrated this, with approximately 70% of the current parkland remaining.
29 Do the current proposals mean that the existing Knowle Car Park currently used as a Park and Walk Facility and by the Hopper bus at weekends during the summer will be redeveloped?
Our refused Outline Planning Application for Knowle required that the existing lower car park facility be removed to make the project financially viable. This meant the use of the car park at weekends during the summer months, for Park and Walk and as a Shuttle Bus pick / drop off point, would no longer be possible.
The use of Knowle car park for Park and Walk at weekends is not based on any formal legal agreement, but was simply a helpful offer made by the Council some years ago.
Similarly, it is understood that Sidmouth Town Council independently requested permission for the Hopper bus to collect and drop off passengers at Knowle during weekends. The subsequent arrangement was confirmed by letter between EDDC and Sidmouth Town Council but again no legal agreements were set up or formalised.
EDDC have never given any guarantee that either, or both, of the arrangements would remain in perpetuity.
As part of the Outline Planning Process, EDDC commissioned Independent Consultants to review the current weekend use of the car park from both an economic impact assessment and transport statement perspectives. It is also recognised the provision of a possible Park and Ride / bus interchange facility was already being considered elsewhere in Sidmouth.
It is understood that the capacity of Council run car parks in Sidmouth equates to a total of 700 spaces, along with an unspecified number of on street parking spaces. It was therefore considered that the impact of the net loss of weekend parking currently allowed at Knowle would be minimal.
However, when planning permission was refused, one of the grounds related to the impact on the economy if the facility were removed.
30 During the public communication events associated with the Outline Planning Application for Knowle Redevelopment held in July 2012, questions were raised regarding the unsuitability of Knowle Drive / Broadway to accommodate vehicles accessing the proposed residential plots.
EDDC and their Consultants carefully considered these questions, and in respect of this issue the architect altered the design so that Zone C would connect with the existing internal access road. This means that some 34 proposed dwellings plus a 60 bed graduated care home would have access without using Knowle Drive.
EDDC appointed as part of the Outline Planning Application an Independent Consultant to comment on the issue of vehicle movements associated with the proposed redevelopment. Their ‘Transport Statement’ accompanied the Outline Planning Application, although the proposal is currently not on the table following planning refusal.
When the Outline Planning Application was consulted on, the Highways Authority (Devon County Council) raised no objection to the proposal
31 Why is EDDC only considering moving rather than refurbishing its existing premises at Knowle?
Whilst the Independent Consultants’ Viability Report will be reviewing this option there are a number of immediate reasons why simply refurbishing Knowle would not currently be financially practical.
Refurbishment without matching release of land value will be a multi-million pound cost to the Council. We do not believe that this is the best solution or of greatest benefit to our communities who support the Council’s high quality services and low Council Tax.
A preliminary ‘Order of Costs’ estimate for the reasonable refurbishment of Knowle indicates a cost of up to £13 million (ex VAT) depending on how extensive the refurbishment would be, but we do know that urgent and essential repairs alone would cost around £1 million. The basis of this estimate is appropriate industry-recognised average building price per square metre or functional unit rates. This preliminary estimate identifies a number of caveats and exclusions. Please note that this preliminary order of costs excludes any temporary office facilities and the temporary relocation of staff and other resources.
The current
energy efficiency rating of the building issued on 21 November 2011 is C and this demonstrates that
the Council has used its best endeavours to achieve a high rating. The fact remains that the building
is simply too large for current requirements and that building structure and fabric is not as energy-efficient
as could be achieved by modern sustainable materials. A modern, purpose-built office of the required
size would be even more energy-efficient and just as importantly would be cheaper to heat and light.
You can read more detail regarding the preliminary ‘Order of Costs’ estimate in the 'Cost Model For Existing Building Refurbishment' document (174KB Portable Document Format - 13 August 2012 - PDF Help).
32 What will be the cost of a new building?
Any figures provided at this stage can only be speculative until a site has been chosen and detailed floor area requirements are specified. Our experts estimate that a modern build of the type required, size and complexity is likely to cost in the region of £6m to £7m (ex VAT). This is very much a rough average figure and a final build price plus possible land acquisition cost is dependent on numerous variable factors. Whilst a definitive build cost is not yet known, the commitment to the move going ahead only if it is financially viable will apply whatever the final estimated cost may be.
33 Does Sidmouth really need more housing?
Yes. The Country needs more housing as growth in household numbers exceeds the numbers of new homes being built. East Devon (in common with many Districts in the South West) sees year-on-year increases in population levels on account of net migration into the District. A consequence is that housing demand exceeds supply.
House prices in the District are high, especially when compared with typical wage levels, and younger and poorer (and also not so poor) people can find it very challenging to find a home to rent or buy. In East Devon we have to plan for housing growth and think about the best places for that growth. Whilst Cranbrook will take a large part of the overall development other locations need to accommodate new homes as well and those new homes can help sustain facilities, provide homes for local people and critically ensure provision of affordable housing. The housing development proposed for Sidmouth is very modest and will play its part along with that in other towns and villages and Cranbrook and other big schemes to meet our overall needs. The housing suggested for the Knowle site was of moderate density and would have made a contribution to the overall Sidmouth allocation.
Links to the Local Plan – see as a starting point: Core Strategy / Our New Local Plan
34 Why did EDDC propose to develop Zone E when this is parkland with trees in it?
Our tree survey ensured that the most important trees would be kept and that there is a sustainability process through which new trees will be planted. From a tree perspective, we were advised that Zone E is a satisfactory development zone. This area of development was considered potentially important to the financial viability of the project.
This Zone offers access to the bottom end of Knowle Drive and is in an area of the site that has already seen house building in the vicinity of the park. Zone E was part of the refused planning aplicaiton and will be part of the Council’s thinking following that planning decision.
35 Please can you advise precisely on what legal basis EDDC has the right to sell the land designated as Public Open Space for development?
The land is owned by the Council which resolved in 1973 to hold it as a Pleasure Ground for the purposes of the Public Health Act 1875 section 164. Sections 123 (2A) and (2B) of the Local Government Act 1972 place certain restrictions upon disposal of open spaces, but it is clear from the wording that such a disposal is possible.
The minutes from the Council meeting from 1973 note that a principal reason for the acquisition of Knowle was to preserve the gardens and field as an amenity for the District. That is why we feel it is appropriate to recognise that position, and why the current proposals retain a very significant proportion of open space.
The Council is satisfied that planning permission could be granted for building on what is currently open space, acknowledging that there will be planning policy issues associated with it.
36 How come after years of use as pedestrian footpaths the footpaths are not automatically rights of way and why has EDDC only recently erected signs stating 'Rights of Way Act 1932 East Devon District Council owns the land surrounding this building and there is no intention to dedicate it or any part of it as a right of way'?
There is nothing that suggests that any right of way has ever been designated for Knowle.
The grounds are subject to byelaws made under the Public Health Act for the regulation of pleasure gardens, and amongst other things these provide that the Council can restrict times during which the Public has access. The Council does restrict hours of access at other pleasure grounds in the District and would no doubt consider restricting hours of access to Knowle if, for example, it was targeted for anti-social behaviour. As the Council therefore has the power to restrict hours of access, that is inconsistent with a public right of way which would by implication be unrestricted. Signs erected recently have either replaced some that had deteriorated or were put up afresh for the sake of clarifying the existing situation because questions had been asked.
37 What are the critical stages of this project?
This Project requires several stages prior to the submission of the Viability Report and thesewill be worked through methodically and sequentially as necessary. The list below is not absolutely definitive and the nature of this type of work does not necessarily require each entire stage to be completed before commencing the next – except of course for item (8) - Appraisal Viability Report.
Understanding Client need, objectives and any constraints
Commission of initial surveys and reports
Evaluation of surveys and reports
Financial valuations of properties (including submission of Outline Planning Application). Preliminary Order of Cost Estimates
Preparation of Clients requirements for Honiton, Exmouth and Satellite Offices. Concept design including cost estimates
Identify potential sites and tailoring concept design to preferred options, including cost estimates and value engineering if applicable
Finalising Viability Report and review
Submission of Viability Report
38 Will people get a chance to comment on the outline planning application for the Knowle site?
People were able to comment, and nearly 2,000 responses were received. Consultation has now closed.
Planning permission was refused by the Development Management Committee on 01 March 2013.
39 Can Knowle and its grounds be listed as of national and historic interest?
No. A recent application to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to have the building and gardens listed was rejected.
In a covering note from English Heritage’s Designation Team, their regional co-ordinator says: “The Secretary of State has decided not to add East Devon District Council Building and Landscape, Knowle, Sidmouth to the List at this time.
Additionally English Heritage has decided not to add the site to the Register of Parks and Gardens. The reasons for these decisions are set out in the attached report”.
English Heritage say what remains of the original house and hotel does not demonstrate the high level of architectural design needed. So far as the grounds are concerned, English Heritage say not enough of the original landscape design survives to warrant addition to the national Register.
And they add: A large part of the original garden has been lost through housing development, particularly on the south, west and north edges of the garden, which have (sic) led to the loss of large parts of the landscape design”.
English Heritage researchers traced Knowle’s history back to the early 19th Century, when it was a relatively small ‘Cottage Ornee’ and a private residence. It was later extended to become a very large home and was then converted to become a hotel in the late 1800s.
Since then, parcels of land have been sold off and piecemeal development occurred in the 20th Century on the south-west and north-west areas of the garden.
See maps showing
the changing face of Knowle as homes were built on parts of the site (6226KB Portable Document Format - 08 October 2012 - PDF Help).
40 Why was the outline planning application for a care home and housing on the site at Knowle withdrawn from the agenda of the December 4 planning meeting?
The application was withdrawn on a temporary basis by EDDC as landowner and applicant, following advice from its Local Planning Authority arm. The Council found that data about the number of staff working at Knowle and living in Sidmouth was incorrect. The true figure was just over 100, not 80 as had been thought. This figure had in turn been used by an external consultant to formulate estimates in an Economic Impact Assessment. The planning authority advised that this report was critical to the outcome of the application and so it needed to be revised and re-submitted. Further errors were later identified in similar figures for Honiton staff, meaning a further revision. As a result, there was a further period of consultation (to allow comments on the revised report) and the application was heard by EDDC’s Development Management Committee on Friday 1 March 2013, where it was refused.
Page last updated on 23 May 2013
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