... A FORUM TO STIMULATE DEBATE ... ... JUST ADD A COMMENT AT ANY ENTRY BELOW... ... FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOWN AND VALLEY ...

Wednesday 7 September 2016

Knowle relocation project: revised plans from PegasusLife >>> "a devastating blow to the history and character of Sidmouth"

'Overdevelopment' seems to be happening everywhere and at the same time:
Futures Forum: "Sid Valley under threat from developers >>> Have your say before it’s too late"

The plans for Knowle are an example - but the developer has been rather coy about the true impact of thier proposals::
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project >>> a far more imposing development than assumed? >>> Part Seven: pictures based on measurements are very different to the official artist's impression

Last week, the Herald reported on the release of some designs from the developer which indicates the true impact of the project:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: revised plans from PegasusLife >>> "the massing and bulking of the buildings hasn’t been significantly altered"

The latest View from Sidmouth carries the story on the front page:

Concerns of Sidmouth residents ‘ignored’ by Knowle developer

By Peter Hodges - September 7, 2016



























NEW images have been released of what the redevelopment of the Knowle site in Sidmouth could look like, once East Devon District Council has moved its operations elsewhere, could look like.


The district council’s move away from Sidmouth to split operations in Exmouth and Honiton was confirmed last year, leaving many members of the public angry with the decision.

PegasusLife released its plans for 115 retirement apartments at the site earlier this year, but the new images show some alterations to the original proposal.

East Devon district councillor Cathy Gardner said: “Revised plans for Knowle have recently been uploaded to the EDDC planning website with photomontages showing the impact of the buildings from some key vantage points.

“The documents reveal slight changes to the originally-submitted plans like increases in the steepness of roofs.”

People in Sidmouth have raised concerns over the visual impact the site will have on Sidmouth and have also questioned the need for more retirement homes.

Councillor Gardner added: “New photomontages accurately reveal the impact of the proposed development, notably the views from the southern park and from upper Knowle Drive. But PegasusLife have left out the view from the western side of Sidmouth where the development dominates the Sidmouth skyline.

“Most significantly, the central objections of overdevelopment, excessive heights and massing, and the overbearing impact of the development on the south park and on local residents have been completely ignored.”

In June SAVE Britain’s Heritage submitted its objection to PegasusLife’s plan, saying the loss of the building and surrounding area would be a “devastating blow to the history and character of Sidmouth”.

PegasusLife responded by saying: “We have undertaken a rigorous exploration of the complex planning and design issues associated with this important and sensitive site. This has included a wide array of technical work, extensive discussions with EDDC and Devon County Council officers and a varied programme of engagement with the local community, statutory consultees and other stakeholders.

“The proposals put forward from the process seek to strike an appropriate balance between the various issues raised and bring forward a high quality, appropriate and deliverable design response.”

SAVE Britain’s Heritage said: “We urge East Devon District Council to reject this application and require a revised design for the site that preserves the historic buildings and better protects the character of the park, which is such an important amenity for the community and wider public.”

It had been thought that the plans would go in front of planning chiefs on September 6th at the Development Management Committee meeting at EDDC but the plans are currently not on the agenda


Concerns of Sidmouth residents ‘ignored’ by Knowle developer - View News
.
.
.

No comments: