Plans for Port Royal: anticipating a Regeneration Board >>> ‘Scoping Report for the eastern end of Sidmouth’ >>> commission work initiatied

There is plenty of research and evidence available on the status of the eastern end of Sidmouth:
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: who owns what: further research
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: anticipating a Regeneration Board >>> ‘Scoping Report for the eastern end of Sidmouth’ >>> "previous data history would not be disregarded"

But the District Council would prefer to spend £10k on further research and evidence:
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: anticipating a Regeneration Board >>> ‘Scoping Report for the eastern end of Sidmouth’ to be presented to Cabinet >>> Wednesday 6th January

All with the aim of establishing 'ownership':
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: anticipating a Regeneration Board >>> a summary of the issues

Although the 'regeneration' of Exmouth is not exactly going smoothly:
Regeneration projects in Exmouth - East Devon
Jury's still out on Exmouth seafront development plans | Exeter Express and Echo
Exmouth Seafront: 95 per cent vote for more consultation on regeneration plans despite low turnout | Exeter Express and Echo
Exmouth shows opposition to big seafront development | Exeter Express and Echo

Not everyone is happy about the Tesco-driven 'regeneration' of Seaton either:
Tesco Plaza, Seaton? | East Devon Watch
Bovis and Seaton affordable housing – a long and winding road | East Devon Watch

And now Axminster is about to get its own 'regeneration':
Town in line for regeneration success - View from Axminster
The new political landscape | East Devon Watch
Axminster – evidence for the need for regeneration? Seaton – booming? | East Devon Watch
Axminster “Regeneration” Board | East Devon Watch

With the excitement around the architectural competition at Port Royal
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal and the Eastern Town >>> >>> architecture competition to re-imagine Port Royal >>> public invited to chose from a shortlist of five >>> >>> deadline Tuesday 12th July

... it seems that the District Council might be getting a little jittery about things not quite going to plan in Sidmouth:

SIDMOUTH: EDDC REASSERTS ITS AUTHORITY OVER PORT ROYAL

8 JULY 2016

Probably stung by the popularity (and speed) of local residents who were able to organise and display interesting designs for Port Royal, EDDC has now announced funding for a scoping study (i.e. a PRE-study study) for the area. Not everyone is happy about the prospect:

Sidmouth: EDDC reasserts its authority over Port Royal | East Devon Watch

The Herald has the story from Monday's Town Council meeting:

Councils scoping out future of Port Royal

08 July 2016 Stephen Sumner

Sidmouth representatives will lead the way on a comprehensive background study on the renewal of Port Royal.

Town councillors will have support from East Devon District Council (EDDC), the other major land owner – but both have recognised the commercial challenges and amount of work required.

The area – allocated 50 homes in the Local Plan – could be transformed into a mixed-use space, although the regeneration will likely require private investment.

In a statement, town council chairman Jeff Turner said: “I am delighted that with the support of EDDC, we will now, as a very first step, commission work that will scope out a complex exercise of consultation, planning, costing and design.

“Local people and local organisations – some of whom have spent a great deal of their time pressing the case for Port Royal renewal – will be key to this collaborative process.”

EDDC deputy chief executive Richard Cohen added: “Good proposals, which are innovative as well as practically and financially possible, will be critical to the success of Port Royal’s development.

“Throughout the process, there will be a clear focus on consultation and collaboration with local people, businesses and organisations, to ensure that any future development is achieved with their understanding.

“The improvements that this scheme will bring about will help maintain Sidmouth as one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts.”

But concerns were voiced at Monday’s town council meeting.

Councillor Ian McKenzie-Edwards said: “A lot of funding in Seaton came from Tesco. OK, it funded Seaton Jurassic, but two of the businesses it replaced were in tourism. Seaton is at a pretty low ebb. Tesco is a hell of a way of getting funding.”

Cllr Louise Cole welcomed the opportunity to regenerate eastern town, but said: “There’s a massive issue of trust between EDDC and the community.

“People are very concerned their voices aren’t heard. The two latest developments [the Knowle redevelopment and plans for a business park in Sidford] have reaffirmed that. People are extremely angry.”

Cllr Turner countered that people had always been cynical and it was up to the councils to try to involve them in the process.

Mr Cohen expects the £10,000 project to be completed by mid-November, with a decision on the next step before Christmas..

Councils scoping out future of Port Royal - News - Sidmouth Herald

Interestingly, the District Council insists that the whole exercise is in fact 'led' by the Town Council:

How are you making sure the BMP complements the work at Port Royal?

The Port Royal redevelopment is being led by Sidmouth Town Council with support from East Devon. Representatives from both organisations sit on the respective steering groups to ensure continued liaison across the two projects.

Sidmouth Beach Management Plan: Frequently Asked Questions - How are you making sure the BMP complements the work at Port Royal? - East Devon
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