Knowle relocation project: the current issues: LATEST: District Council cabinet to consider its "Relocation Update": Weds 4th June

There has been a lot going on at Knowle of late, with the cabinet at East Devon about to look at its relocation project this Wednesday:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: the current issues... District Council cabinet to consider its "Relocation Update": Weds 4th June

A statement is expected:

Latest Knowle relocation update by Deputy Chief Executive

May 29, 2014 by sidmouthsid Leave a comment

A statement will be given by Richard Cohen on Wednesday 4th June, at the next EDDC Cabinet meeting which starts at 5.30pm at Knowle.

Please also note, other explosive items on the agenda:
Item 1 Changes to rules for public speaking
Item 4 Declarations of Interest (EDDC officers seem to have been recently confused about this)
Item 18 Cranbrook update
Item 22 Complaints monitoring
Item 23 Freedom of Information monitoring
(Various posts concerning the above Items can be found on the EDA website, http://eastdevonalliance.org. More comment expected there soon.)

The current stage of EDDC’s ambition to relocate will of course attract much attention from East Devon taxpayers, and consequently, from the media. 

Public can attend and ask questions (NB new rules apply, see agenda Item 1) . 

Full agenda here: http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/cabinet_040614__-_public_version.pdf

Latest Knowle relocation update by Deputy Chief Executive | Save Our Sidmouth

There are several issues at stake:

TOWN/VILLAGE GREEN APPLICATION:
Futures Forum: Town/Village Green application: "a mechanism that local objectors are using to try to hold up the council's plans for Knowle"
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: “Relocation is central to our plans to transform the council into an organisation that meets the needs of our residents and businesses in an accessible, cost effective and joined up way.”

Yesterday, the Express & Echo carried the story:
Village Green bid could hit East Devon District Council's new headquarters bid | Exeter Express and Echo

And this evening, the Herald has published its own report on-line:

Council sell-off stays on hold due to appeal

Stefan GordonMonday, June 2, 2014
6:00 AM

  

HOUSEHOLDERS have thrown a spanner in the works of East Devon District Council’s relocation bid – as the cost of the project to date reaches £705,000.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) hasn’t started marketing Knowle and Manstone Depot for sale to developers because of an application by nearby homeowners to preserve the former’s parks and gardens for public use.

Knowle Residents Association submitted a plea in July 2012 for Knowle’s outdoor areas to be recognised as a Town and Village Green (TGV).

EDDC members in February supported a move to SkyPark near Exeter in principal. Further research is to be undertaken into the viability of the move before £1million is committed to buying a new site.

Councillors want to know the outcome of an exercise to find the value developers are prepared to put on Knowle and Manstone. This is expected to be completed in July.

Experts have advised the council to delay marketing until there is clarity around the TVG application. An outcome is expected shortly.

Property experts Savills look set to at least be commissioned with managing the marketing of both Sidmouth assets.

EDDC’s cabinet will decide whether to give the firm the go-ahead on Wednesday (June 4).

A council spokesperson described the TGV as ‘a mechanism that local objectors are using to try to hold up the council’s plans for Knowle’.

Kelvin Dent, vice-chairman of Knowle Residents Association, told the Herald: “The purpose of this application is to ensure the public have the right to continue to use the park and gardens for their enjoyment – to preserve the rights people think they have already got. I don’t apologise for the delay – the longer the delay the longer people have to reflect how sensible this is as an idea [moving to SkyPark].”

Money from the sale of parts of Knowle and the Manstone Depot – along with millions from the sale of the council’s site at Heathpark in Honiton – will be invested in the new HQ.

Council sell-off stays on hold due to appeal - News - Sidmouth Herald

See also:
Campaigning residents apply brakes to EDDC office relocation project - Claire Wright

TRANSPARENCY:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: further FOI requests

With further reports from independent Cllr Claire Wright and the East Devon Alliance:
EDDC appeals against Information Commissioner’s ruling on transparency - Claire Wright
Transparency – a foggy issue | East Devon Alliance
EDDC – Knowle relocation secrecy – important update | East Devon Alliance

EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project... "Should we build less and reuse more?"
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