Knowle relocation project: an application to list Knowle park as an Asset of Community Value

At the meeting at which the District Council voted to sell the Knowle site, several arguments were voiced against the project:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: deciding to sell >>> Full Council: Wednesday 25th March >>> and more reports

One specific proposal was presented to the Council:

APPLICATION TO LIST KNOWLE PARK AS ASSET OF COMMUNITY VALUE

March 26, 2015 by sidmouthsid Leave a comment

This speech by Mike Temple, was made at last night’s Extra Ordinary Council meeting on relocation (Weds 25 March)

Chairman, Members,

I speak on behalf of the Knowle Residents’ Association.

Yesterday afternoon, we delivered to EDDC reception an application to register Knowle Park as an Asset of Community Value.

The Knowle Residents’ Association was urged to take this step following extensive discussions only last Thursday 19th March, with lawyers from the national conservation group SAVE Britain’s Heritage.

This group has considerable experience in such cases, and has pursued very successfully over the years the listing of assets which would otherwise be damaged or destroyed.

The registration of the Knowle Park in its entirety as an Asset of Community Value would protect a much-valued amenity from the ravages of development.

Earlier this month, EDDC’s Cabinet recommended that this Council give away about 85% of the Knowle parkland to the Sidmouth Town Council – which is an extraordinary admission, namely that the District Council is prepared to donate an asset of community value to the local town’s authority.

The registration of the whole of the Knowle parkland as an Asset of Community Value would mean that this greatly valued historic amenity would indeed be donated to the local community.

Should EDDC reject this application, the Knowle Residents Association will appeal, and will pursue with determination the registration of all of the parkland at Knowle.

We urge you to take note of this decision.

Thank you.

APPLICATION TO LIST KNOWLE PARK AS ASSET OF COMMUNITY VALUE | Save Our Sidmouth

This is the report from today's Herald:

Breaking news & sport in Sidmouth | Sidmouth Herald

Meanwhile, the formal Judgement from the Tribunal on the reports from the secretive Relocation Working Parties is immanent:
Tribunal end in sight for East Devon District Council | Exeter Express and Echo

Whilst the East Devon Watch blog has noted parallels between an application in Topsham and the proposals for Knowle:
Exeter City Council unanimously rejects Topsham Care Home scheme with similarities to Knowl plans | East Devon Watch
Topsham care home plans unanimously rejected by Exeter City Council’s planning committee | Exeter Express and Echo
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