Climate change: Prof Dame Julia Slingo, former chief scientist at the Met Office @ Branscombe > Tues 29th Jan

Next Tuesday, the former chief scientist will be in Branscombe: 

Tuesday JANUARY 29

Climate Change – A Defining Challenge for  the 21st century

Julia Slingo

Julia (Chief scientist - Met Office) will be looking at the evidence for human influences on our climate, and describe how we use computer simulations of weather and climate to tell us about the future.

She will talk about the potential impacts of future climate, and the implications for how we produce and use energy, and manage Earth's limited resources.

Branscombe Project - News & Events

With more from the Herald: 

Learn more about climate change from the Met Office’s former chief scientist

PUBLISHED: 15:01 12 January 2019

Philippa Davies

Julia Slingo.

Professor Dame Julia Slingo, one of the world’s leading experts, will discuss the human influences on the climate, and the prediction of future weather patterns

The former chief scientist at the Met Office, Professor Dame Julia Slingo, will give a free talk in Branscombe later this month, on the subject of climate change.

Dame Julia, who lives in Sidmouth, retired in November 2016 after seven years in the top post at the Exeter-based office. Earlier that year, she won the World Meteorological Organization’s top award, and was described by its president as “a pioneer in science”, and “a beacon in the world” whose work was “enabling us to better predict extreme weather.”

In her talk she will be discussing the evidence for human influences on our climate, and describe the use of computer simulations of weather and climate to predict the future. She will consider the potential impacts of future climate change, the implications on how we produce and use energy, and how we can manage the earth’s limited resources.

The talk will take place on Tuesday, January 29 at 7.30 at Branscombe Village Hall; everyone is welcome.

Learn more about climate change from the Met Office’s former chief scientist | Latest Sidmouth and Ottery News - Sidmouth Herald
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Keeping the speed down in East Devon villages

Speeding is a problem in Sidbury:
Futures Forum: Campaign for safer roads in Sidbury > "the official data demonstrates the vast volume of traffic that goes through Sidbury - and the fact that the vast majority of drivers actually break the limit" > public meeting Weds 21st Nov

There has been a bit of activity on the Nextdoor social network of late - on the issue of speeding...

This thread is on getting people to drive more slowly (names have been removed, other than Councillors): 

Poll: Should we have a 20 miles an hour speed limit on our rural villages

North Sidmouth 12h ago

There is little point in imposing rules if they cannot be enforced and our police force, although excellent, has too much to do at the moment without adding to the burden.

Sidbury 12h ago

We have a 20mph zone in Sidbury that a Devon County Council vehicle speed sensor showed that in a complete week last year 88% of drivers drove in excess of the speed limit. And Sidbury Traffic Action Group, which is supported by Sidbury WI, are battling to get DCC to take this matter seriously and put up flashing speed signs. But as no one has yet been killed we aren’t taken seriously.

Sidbury 11h ago

Some drivers take notice of speed limits but unfortunately it's the same as parking restrictions - if there's no enforcement then many people just don't give a .......

Beer 10h ago

Car brakes are many times more effective than when the 30 limit was set, but as usual the weak link is the nut behind the wheel.

Branscombe

6h ago

I know when your walking along and some nutter come flying along it's very scary. Let alone dangerous. Why people feel the need to drive so fast on our small roads.!

Beer 3h ago

Certainly 30 is too fast in Beer Fore Street in summer with so many people on the narrow sections of pavement. The short distance of visability between the bends does not give some pedestrians time to cross safely.

Martin Shaw

Seaton 41m ago

I'm your County Councillor and I'm on a working party which is looking at the situations in which 20 limits could be introduced in town and village settings. If you want to propose a 20 limit for a specific area or roads in Branscombe, Beer or elsewhere, the best thing to do is to discuss it first with your parish or town council who will need to be involved in putting it forward, and let me know (cllrmartinshaw@gmail.com).

North Sidmouth 17m ago

I think each road should be discussed on its merits. As I understand it from Sgt. Andy Squires the 20 limit is an advisory limit only. As Chris suggests, pedestrian safety is a key issue but perhaps only in certain areas. In Sidmouth town centre it can be hard to get up to 20 mph and the narrow streets and thronging pedestrians make a low speed essential anyway. That said, not long ago there was a nasty accident where someone was knocked down, which might belatedly make the case for a 20 mph limit in the town centre.

Sidbury 11m ago

In Sidbury we have had to investigate this suggestion that our 20mph is not enforceable. As the limit has been adopted/agreed by DCC it is enforceable and the police have accepted that point. So anyone of the 88% who drive through Sidbury in excess of 20 mph is liable for prosecution. It’s been designed as a 20 mph zone for a reason. As the police resources to enforce this are stretched Sidbury Traffic Action Group has submitted names of residents to the police who will form a local speed watch group. The intention is for them to “police” the speeding vehicles in liaison with the police.

Martin Shaw

Seaton·5m ago

I think the confusion may be caused by the fact that a 20 'zone' is not enforceable but a 20 'limit' such as exists in Sidford (and presumably Sidbury) is enforceable.

Nextdoor

And this was reblogged on Nextdoor from a news piece earlier from Devon & Cornwall Police:

No need for speed

Police target excessive speed – one of the Fatal Five

Excessive speed is one of the Fatal Five top contributory factors to deaths and serious injuries on UK roads, because collisions where speed is a factor have a disproportionately high rate of fatalities associated with them.

For two weeks from 14 – 27 January Devon and Cornwall Police and partner agencies will be targeting drivers who selfishly endanger other road users not to mention themselves by speeding, as will police forces across the UK in support of a campaign led by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

There is no excuse for excessive speed when driving, either breaking the speed limit or traveling too fast for the road conditions, but that doesn’t stop drivers who are pulled over from offering them.

The highlights from the Alliance Roads Policing team’s activity in the first week of 2019 alone (see photo montage) supplied the following gems:

• “Keeping up with the flow of traffic” when having just overtaken an unmarked police car and everything else (92mph)
• “My cat is sick” (91mph, with children in the car)
• “In a rush to get to my girlfriends house” (101mph)
• “Didn’t realise I was going that fast” (100mph)
• “Chatting and distracted” (94mph)

Far from just handing out “speeding tickets”, dependent on the severity of each offence drivers may receive penalty points on their licence and a fine, or they may have the option of attending a speed awareness course in which case those penalties will not apply.

In extreme cases of excessive speed, they may face a day in court which could result in a driving ban.

Operations will be carried out across Devon and Cornwall on arterial routes and A roads, and in areas where concerns have been raised about speeding through towns and communities.

Devon and Cornwall Police will deploy the No Excuse team and the Alliance and Alliance Specials Roads Policing teams, working with the Peninsula Road Safety Partnership (PRSP) which operates static and mobile speed safety cameras.

In a separate announcement, the PRSP have warned drivers that speed enforcement warning signs are not a legal requirement to validate the results of an operation.

Marcus Laine, Operations Manager for the Peninsula Road Safety Partnership: “In future we may operate for short periods without using camera warning signs at sites which have been assessed locally as needing an intervention, and require us to deploy in the short term.

“If the site continues to be used the partnership will consider adding camera warning signs to further improve compliance.”

A fuller statement about this will be available on the PRSP website next week.

Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, is the national lead for road safety for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.

A survey run by her office last month showed that the public overwhelming supported tougher penalties for drivers who flout the law.

She said: “The new No Excuse roads policing team, coupled with the partnership’s work, means speeding drivers are less likely to be able to get away with endangering their lives and the lives of others.

“In 2017, the last year for which there are figures, there were 1,616 reported accidents in Devon and Cornwall and 63 deaths on our roads, this is simply unacceptable.

“I think it’s absolutely right that the mobile speed cameras can appear without warning anywhere on our roads – whether they be major routes or smaller rural locations where we know a disproportionate number of serious collisions occur.

“The simple message to drivers is that if you don’t want to be penalised for speeding, stay within the limits.”

The Fatal Five are the five main causes of serious injuries and deaths on the region’s roads.

1. Inappropriate or excessive speed 
2. Not wearing a seat belt 
3. Driver distractions including using mobile devices such as phones, 'sat navs' and tablets 
4. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 
5. Careless and inconsiderate driving 

More information about how we can all help to make our roads safer can be found in the Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police Alliance booklet “A Guide to Safer Roads” which can be found online here:

www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/on-the-road 

On the road | Devon and Cornwall Police
News article | Devon and Cornwall Police
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Supporting sustainable local food production in Branscombe >>> planning applications passed

Earlier this year, applications were submitted for farming facilities in Branscombe:
Futures Forum: Supporting sustainable local food production in Branscombe >>> planning applications

There were two applications:
16/2964/FUL | Retention of temporary agricultural worker's dwelling and temporary farm office | Alderwood Barn Branscombe Seaton EX12 3BU
17/0025/FUL | Erection of 3 no. polytunnels and associated works (revisions to siting approved under application 15/0275/FUL) - partially retrospective | Alderwood Barn Branscombe Seaton EX12 3BU

And there was a large majority in favour from the contributors.

For example, here is one comment in support of the first application:

Ms Ruth Hancock (Supports)

Comment submitted date: Tue 07 Feb 2017

I fully support this application as it is fully in line with all the criteria laid out for these types of applications, as laid out in the National planning Policy framework.

The retention of this development would allow an existing valued local business to survive and thrive.

Living alongside ones crops and livestock is the only way of ensuring their proper care.
Farming and growing are not nine to five jobs'
The ability to observe, and react immediately to, crop or animal needs are of vital importance.

This business produces products valued in the local community. And is a valuable contributor to the enhancement of a diverse and resiliant food system, in this area, economically, socially, and environmentally.

16/2964/FUL | Retention of temporary agricultural worker's dwelling and temporary farm office | Alderwood Barn Branscombe Seaton EX12 3BU

Here is a message from the applicant:

Our planning application was passed by EDDC last week so we now have three years' temporary permission and then hopefully we can prove to be a financially viable farm and get a permanent permission for a low-impact sustainable home with an agricultural tie. 

Jenny Lonnberg & Ian Crowe

Natural Branscombe

Alderwood Farm

Branscombe

Home - naturalbranscombe1
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Supporting sustainable local food production in Branscombe >>> planning applications

What's the state of small, independent, family organic farms in Devon?
Futures Forum: 'A Farm For the Future'

There is a lot of brutal competition:
Futures Forum: 'Mega farms'... for Devon...?

It's all about 'local' production:
Futures Forum: Why buy local?

Which is what is being pushed in Romania:
Futures Forum: "Law on the Sale of Food Products" >>> every large supermarket in the country must ensure that 51% of the fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, dairy products and baked goods they stock are "locally sourced"

Meanwhile, an organic farm in Branscombe has two planning applications pending:
16/2964/FUL | Retention of temporary agricultural worker's dwelling, temporary farm office and storage container | Alderwood Barn Branscombe Seaton EX12 3BU

And:
17/0025/FUL | Erection of 3 no. polytunnels and associated works (revisions to siting approved under application 15/0275/FUL) - partially retrospective | Alderwood Barn Branscombe Seaton EX12 3BU

For the second application, the local council have shown their unanimous support:

Parish/Town Council

Comment Date: Fri 27 Jan 2017

At Branscombe Parish Council meeting held on 26th January 2017, after a full discussion on the above application, members agreed to support the application with no further comments.


Out of the 13 comments received, only two members of the public have objected:
17/0025/FUL | Erection of 3 no. polytunnels and associated works (revisions to siting approved under application 15/0275/FUL) - partially retrospective | Alderwood Barn Branscombe Seaton EX12 3BU

It is not too late to provide comment on the 17/0025/FUL application.

This was received recently from the applicants:

Dear Vision for Sidmouth

My partner and I run an organic farm in Branscombe, and have done so for the last 14 years, producing grass-fed red ruby devon beef and lamb, and grow vegetables, mainly salad crops that we supply locally, to individuals, shops and restaurants.  

Last year we were forced to leave our farmhouse as this was rented through our family but when my parents-in-law (now in their 80s) wanted to sell up and retire, we had no option to buy this property due to its large size.  We however managed to retain most of the land and have carried on farming and growing and want to expand the business slightly. 

We farm within all the highest stewardship agreements and care deeply about the sensitive environment and landscape in Branscombe, to help manage the land for visitors and residents alike.

We have put in two planning applications, one to retain two temporary caravans (one which we use as an agricultural worker's dwelling for ourselves and our two children) and one which is used as a farm office and store, and rest facility, with a view to replace them eventually with an eco home. We have also submitted a second application for three polytunnels which we previously had permission for but have had to reposition slightly due to the lie of the land, hence a new planning application.  

The consultation period ends on the 9th Feb, and we need everyone's support! We are in talks with other local producers (such as Bulstone Springs Farm also in Branscombe) about setting up a local food co-op/ delivery network possibly with a zero emissions vehicle.  The reference numbers for our applications are: 16/2964/FUL and 17/0025/FUL.  

We have a website www.naturalbranscombe.co.uk and Facebook page www.facebook.com/naturalbranscombe

Here are some bullet points for people who don't have the time to read all the planning documents such as the agricultural appraisal and design and access statement:

 • We have been farming here in Branscombe with our family for 14 years.
 • We produce fresh, local, natural food (grass-fed beef, lamb, vegetables, salads, eggs and fruit) in a sustainable way, for residents and visitors alike, who are attracted to the area for its distinctive natural beauty and food culture, which we contribute to by supplying local shops and restaurants
 • We manage the landscape and the environment with nature conservation in mind to the highest possible standards.
 • We are involved in setting up a local food producer network, to help build a strong and vibrant rural economy, and food security during a time of increasing political and environmental uncertainty.
 • It is essential for us to live on our holding to provide constant care for our livestock, closely monitor and attend to our poly-tunnels, and build up the business again from when it was partly moved from Gay's Farm, where we used to live, approximately 200 metres from our current site.
 • Living off site is impossible and would mean the closure of a sustainable and profitable local food business.
 • Our new holding base will enable us to further expand and diversify our business, our growing season and what we can offer to the local community.
 • The temporary caravans will eventually be replaced by a single, permanent low-impact eco-home, subject to planning permission.

Many thanks in advance, we need everyone's support for local food security!

Please feel to forward to anybody who might be interested.  Feel free to get in touch if you need further information.

Jenny Lonnberg & Ian Crowe

Alderwood Barn

Branscombe

EX12 3BU

It is not too late to provide comment on the 17/0025/FUL application:
17/0025/FUL | Erection of 3 no. polytunnels and associated works (revisions to siting approved under application 15/0275/FUL) - partially retrospective | Alderwood Barn Branscombe Seaton EX12 3BU
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A solution to our housing problems: small-scale housing development >>> in Branscombe

The village of Branscombe is a lovely place to live:
Branscombe in East Devon named as one of the best places to live in the country | Exeter Express and Echo

The problem being that you have to be retired or on holiday to enjoy it:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth's ageing population: "Without urgent investment in coastal communities, some areas will struggle to retain the working age families needed to fuel the economies of towns dominated by old people’s homes."

But this is happening all along the West Country coast:
Padstow's locals are priced-out of Cornish resort by tourist boom | UK news | The Guardian

One solution is small-scale building of housing which includes affordable housing:
Futures Forum: CPRE: 'Getting Houses Built' >>> supporting small builders and improving the viability of brownfield development

One such small-scale housing development with affordable housing has been proposed for Branscombe:
15/1291/MOUT | Outline application with all matters reserved for construction of 10 no. dwellings (6 affordable, 4 open market) including site access and service road, parking turning areas and footpaths | Land Adjacent The Fountain Head Berry Hill Branscombe

Earlier this week, the District Council's planning committee approved the application:
 041016-combined-dmc-agenda-compressed.pdf
eastdevon.gov.uk/media/1880553/041016-dmc-summary-of-decisions.pdf

The Herald carries the story:

Yes to ‘excellent’ affordable homes in Branscombe

06:35 08 October 2016

Clarissa Place

Plans for a new housing development, aimed at creating affordable homes to help young families live in Branscombe, have been approved.

The outline application would see 10 homes, including six ‘affordable’ properties, built on land adjacent to the Fountain Head pub.

Members of East Devon District Council’s development management committee met on Tuesday to discuss the proposals. Applicant Andrew Gibbins, who grew up in Branscombe, told the committee he was committed to providing ‘attractive, sustainable, affordable homes’ that respected the village’s character and appearance. He said: “The village has a great but aging community which is struggling to keep up the numbers of the local school where there are currently 22 pupils and only three new starters this year.

“We need young families in our community to sustain and maintain what few services we have.”

District council ward member Geoff Pook also backed the plans and said the average home in Branscombe started at £357,000. Cllr Pook added: “There’s no denying there is a need for affordable housing in Branscombe - the holiday home percentage is 30 per cent - plus. You go to Branscombe out of holiday season and you just see empty houses and dark windows.

“Youngsters just cannot get onto the housing market and get houses in the village in which they were born and in which they live in and their families live in.”

Cllr Matt Coppell said the plan was the ‘right thing for the right village’, but he could not support it as there was no Neighbourhood Plan.

Cllr Helen Parr said: “It’s got the support of the parish council, the district councillor and the young families that cannot stay in Branscombe. I think this is an excellent scheme.”

Yes to ‘excellent’ affordable homes in Branscombe - News - Sidmouth Herald

Interestingly, this article comes with a photograph of Branscombe:
How can we make Brexit work for the environment? | Craig Bennett | Environment | The Guardian
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Earthwalk comes to Sidmouth >>> Wednesday 15th July

The idea of the 'earthwalk' has been around for some time:
Outdoors: Be a wild child for the night - Arts and Entertainment - The Independent

The University of Exeter is sponsoring an event next week:



Earthwalking Tickets, Beer - Sidmouth | Eventbrite

As part of its Art and Culture programme the University of Exeter is running a 2 day Earthwalk along the Jurassic Coast from Beer to Sidmouth on 14th and 15th July. The purpose is to explore “earth as a living system through different stories of the sea and land, time and change along this stunning part of the coastline with contributions from artists, scientists and the local community.”

The Vision Group will be hosting the final session of tea, cake and conversation at the Dissenter/Unitarian Hall from 4pm until 6pm on Wednesday 15th July. This will give the participants an opportunity in small groups to discuss questions that have arisen from the walk and how communities can engage with major questions eg climate change, sustainability, and provide invited guests with an opportunity to question walkers on related subjects.

Vision Group for Sidmouth - Earthwalk comes to Sidmouth

Explore earth as a living system through different stories of the sea and land, time and change

Tickets £25 (£15)

Starting at Beer, East Devon - continuing to Sidmouth, East Devon

14th - 15th July 2015 at 11 am

Running time: 2 days

Age: Adults only

 

You are invited to be part of a two-day journey walking along the East Devon coast.  We will be exploring earth as a living system through different stories of the sea and land, time and change along this stunning part of the coastline with contributions from artists, scientists and the local community.

 

This enquiry will include time for walking, personal reflection and sharing ideas and different perspectives. 

This event is suitable for the general public, people in the local community, academics, students and artists.

The event is devised by Anne-Marie Culhane and is inspired by her Exeter Enquires residency in Earth System Science at the University of Exeter.

Contributors include:

• Professor Tim Lenton, Professor of Climate Change, Earth System Science, at the University of Exeter
• Tom Powell, Researcher, Land Use/Earth Systems Interactions, University of Exeter
• Dr Luke Mander, Marie Curie Research Fellow, Earth System Science, University of Exeter
• Anne-Marie Culhane, Artist/Community Activist
• Dr Ceri Lewis, Marine Biologist, University of Exeter
• Dr Michelle Bastian, Chancellors Fellow, Edinburgh College of Art
• Storm Songs, Encounters Art
• National Trust, Branscombe
• Vision Group for Sidmouth

Earthwalking

It is time to look for new paths and new stories. Dark Mountain Manifesto, Dark Mountain Project

When we go down to the low-tide line, we enter a world that is as old as the earth itself – the primeval meeting place of the elements of earth and water, a place of compromise and conflict and eternal change. Rachel Carson, the Edge of the Sea

Over two days and an evening we will explore the dynamic edge where the land meets the sea through walking, reflection and encounters with academics, scientist, artists and local people. The walk has been created to allow time for personal reflection, conversations with others and sharing questions or thoughts with the wider group held by the wider context of the Jurassic coast and a shared journey.

Background to the project

This event is part of an Exeter Enquires residency co-ordinated by Arts & Culture at Exeter University and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. For this residency artist Anne-Marie Culhane has been working Tim Lenton (Professor of Climate Change), Dr.Luke Mander and Tom Powell in Earth System Science at the University of Exeter. 

Earthwalking reflects Anne-Marie Culhane's passion for designing creative, interdisciplinary projects. Her practice includes creating events that bring people together to share experiences and different perspectives in response to places and ecological concerns or questions, in order to bring us closer to the land and each other. The shape of this event has emerged from conversations, discussions, reading and shared time on the coast path with the academics and with people who live and work in the area.

Some questions that have arisen as part of her residency :

• How to live with Gaia? (James Lovelock’s Gaia theory is a major influence on Earth System Science)

• How do the concepts of time that we create affect the way we live?

• What can be gained from bringing different forms of knowledge and activism together for example, the parallel fields of climate change theory and climate change responses?

• How do we live with uncertainty?

• Am I thinking about systems or thinking systemically?

• What is a community? How do we enlarge concepts of community?

As a metaphor Gaia emphasizes most the significance of the individual organism. It is always from the action of the individuals that powerful, local, regional and global systems evolve. When the activity of an organism favours the environment as well as the organism itself, then its spread will be assisted –

James Lovelock, Epilog, 239p, The Ages of Gaia 

When and where will we be walking:

The walk starts in Beer, East Devon at 11am on Tuesday 14 July. We will then walk from Beer via Branscombe on the first day and we will continue discussion and reflection after supper in the evening at the campsite. On Wednesday we will continue on to Sidmouth. We will finish at the Dissenter’s Hall in Sidmouth at 6pm on Wednesday 15 July. We will be walking a distance of around 10 miles. You will need to be reasonably fit. The coast path is challenging in places along this stretch but, intentionally, we will be taking our time. There is overnight parking at Beer and good public transport from Exeter to Beer and Sidmouth.

Overnight and food:

We will be staying at Berry Barton Campsite, Branscombe. Your camping gear, tent and anything for the second day will be transported from Beer to the campsite and then onwards to the end point of the walk in Sidmouth. There is a shower and toilet block on the site with hot water. A vegetarian evening meal and breakfast will be provided. You will need to bring with you enough food for two packed lunches. Camping is an integral part of this event and we would like to encourage you to do so as the evening will be used for discussion and reflection. If for any reason you are unable to camp there are a number of hotels and B&B’s in Branscombe.

Who should come:

This event is suitable for the general public, people in the local community, academics, researchers and students, artists and activists. This event is not suitable for children or dogs.

Special Requirements:

Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or health issues.

Ticket Price: 

Tickets are £25 (this includes camping, vegetarian evening meal and breakfast). The cost is £15 if you are not staying at the campsite. This sum is not refundable.  Click here to book your ticket online.

We expect a high demand for places so please book early to ensure a place. Once you have booked you will receive further information by email about what to bring, transport etc.

For more context on Anne-Marie's work and projects visit:

http://www.amculhane.co.uk/ 

For more on Earth Systems Science at the University of Exeter:

http://lifesciences.exeter.ac.uk/research/ess/

Arts and Culture » Earthwalking

Sidmouth held its first Walking Festival last summer:
Sidmouth Town Website - Walking Festival
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Walking Festival: Saturday 27th September to Thursday 2nd October

And will be holding another in a couple of months time:
Sidmouth Arboretum - News
Sidmouth Walking Festival - Visit Sidmouth
Sidmouth Walking Festival -Walking Festivals In England
Sidmouth Walking Festival - Events - South West Coast Path
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East Devon beach huts: a summary so far...

There have been several stories and more angles around the issue of East Devon's beach huts:

Beach huts as 'assets':
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: "We’re digging into the opportunities to release assets and invest in assets to increase revenue streams."

Local people being able to decide on what they want their seafront to look like:
Futures Forum: LOCALISM restated >>> "Power should be decentralised down to the lowest appropriate level - to councils, to community groups and to individual taxpayers"

Beach huts 'not fit for purpose' - and other suggestions for their use:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: a suggestion for the new District Council headquarters in Honiton...
Futures Forum: "Not fit for purpose" ... What shall we do with the unwanted Exmouth beach huts? ... Bulldozing one set of assets whilst subsidising another

Inconsistent local authority policies:
Futures Forum: Proposals for new Sidmouth beach huts are an "improvement programme" or "a money-grabbing move that will ruin the view"

Having to make way for 'sustainable development':
Futures Forum: Transition Town Exmouth: welcoming 'sustainable development' on Exmouth's seafront

The District Council is reviewing the whole matter of beach huts - and, actually, each town has a very different background - which Councillors feel should be respected.

SEATON/BEER: Future of beach huts under review

20th January 2015 by Kevin Fahey & Anders Larsson



A REVIEW into the ownership and management of East Devon District Council beach huts in Seaton and Beer is under way. Among other proposals being considered are site fees in Beer being brought into line with other open market rents. In Seaton, the town council is interested in buying the sites it currently rents from EDDC.

EDDC's Cabinet has recommended that an extensive refurbishment and replacement programme be put in place to improve provision of its beach huts and chalets. The programme also covers beach huts in Sidmouth, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. It has been proposed to allocate £19,000 towards new beach hut schemes and the replacing of older huts.

Any changes would become effective in 2016, and an EDDC spokesperson said: “The current management of all the sites, in addition to the buildings, will be included within the council’s rolling condition survey programme. However, all tenants will be responsible for their own National non-domestic rates (NNDR) payments, where appropriate.”

Tenants will also be expected to commit to their beach hut or chalet conforming to a realistic design, style and colour, in keeping with the overall scheme.

Councillor David Cox, portfolio holder for finance, said: “The principles behind the review of the beach huts and chalets are valid and solid. It is important that in the current economically challenging climate, the council takes a more robust commercially rounded approach to its assets. The changes will be initiated in 2016, which will give ample time for consultation and will ensure that proper consideration is given to the management of these non-residential assets.”

“A proposal that the managed hut sites at Seaton West and Budleigh Salterton will be offered on the open market as a site-only package, with a £250 one-off charge for an existing hut, will be the subject of further consultation. The Seaton Searchlight Emplacement will be offered for sale on either a freehold interest or leasehold basis. "The site, which is currently vacant, has already attracted expressions of interest from local groups and the town council.”

Seaton Town Council has expressed an interest in buying the four sites it currently rents from EDDC. A letter formally expressing an interest was sent last week, and the council is awaiting a reply.

“The site fees at Beer, which are significantly lower than those in other parts of East Devon, will be brought into line with other open market rents when they come up for renewal. Subject to consultation, Beer’s 56 sites will be offered on the open market, with new five-year leases to commence on April 1st 2016.”

At a meeting of Beer Parish Council last week (January 13th) councillors agreed that there could be no objection to raising annual rents to match those charged to private rentals but concern was expressed as to how the new leases would be awarded.

“There must be some priority given to existing beach hut holders,” said Councillor Geoff Pook, who also represents Beer and Branscombe on EDDC. He added: “But at the moment we don’t know the mechanism for dishing them out and whether the current holders will have first claim.”

There was a concern that the beach huts could become available on the free market which councillors felt shouldn’t be allowed to happen.  “What we don’t want is for the beach huts to become like holiday homes with people getting hold of them and then never using them,” added Councillor Pook. He also said: “The beach huts in Beer are totally different from the ones in Budleigh Salterton and Seaton. They are part of the character of Beer and there is a tradition of families using them after the school and into the evenings. If holiday home owners got them and didn’t use them it would kill the area.” Councillor Pook stressed again that discussions were still on-going and a final decision had yet to be made on how the new lease system would work.

SEATON: Future of beach huts under review - View from Seaton

SIDMOUTH: Seafront huts set for revamp

20th January 2015 by Jack Dixon jack@pemedia.co.uk

A MAJOR refurbishment programme will be launched next year to improve the condition of Sidmouth’s beach huts, council bosses have confirmed. Following an extensive review of its chalets along the coast from Exmouth to Seaton, East Devon District Council will create a £19,000 sinking fund to facilitate new beach hut schemes in the future.

The council says the move will “ensure the viability and sustainability of the beach huts as an enduring local amenity” and enable old chalets to be replaced. The plan will be set in motion in April 2016, but the council’s cabinet has already recommended that a planning application is submitted for new and improved huts to replace the existing ones at Jacob’s Ladder. Councillors will also consider the possibility of adding a further ten huts along the seafront, between the Esplanade and Chit rocks.

Councillor David Cox, EDDC’s portfolio holder for finance, said there was significant interest from members of the public for space to be utilised for extra huts. “Not surprisingly there is considerable demand for beach huts at Sidmouth, which cannot at present be met,” he said. “The provision of these additional huts will give more people the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful local amenity and will enhance the new development at Jacob’s Ladder.”

The replacement huts will follow an improved style and design, with extra facilities added to encourage more visitors to Sidmouth during the summer. Though the new huts are subject to planning permission and consultation with residents, the council says there is a positive future ahead for the town’s seafront chalets.

Councillor Cox added: “The principles behind the review of the beach huts and chalets are valid and solid. It is important that in the current economically challenging climate, the council takes a more robust, commercially rounded approach to its assets. The changes will be initiated in 2016, which will give ample time for consultation and will ensure that proper consideration is given to the management of these non-residential assets.”

Further improvements are also planned at Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Seaton and Beer next year.

SIDMOUTH: Seafront huts set for revamp - View from Sidmouth

SIDMOUTH: ‘Huts will hurt our seafront’

20 January 2015 Stephen Sumner



Possible location of beach huts at Sidmouth. Ref shs 5466-03-15AW. Picture: Alex Walton

Ten new beach huts could help slash an eight-year waiting list in Sidmouth – but critics have claimed it is a money-grabbing move that will ruin the view on a popular walkway.

East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) cabinet backed a move for the properties - between the end of The Esplanade and Chit Rocks - when it met last week, together with plans to upgrade the 24 existing huts at Jacob’s Ladder.

Some members stressed the need for more consultation on the issue, which has already proved controversial.

Businessman Richard Eley told the Herald this week: “The suggestion of beach huts at Clifton beach need to be considered very carefully. The huts will have a significant impact upon the nationally renowned listed buildings of Clifton Terrace, will undermine the attractiveness of the Millennium Walkway and will be very prone to storm damage.

“I doubt that makes the proposition viable. There’s also the issue of further commercialisation of the seafront, which most people would regard as controversial.”

Writing on the Herald’s Facebook page, resident Penny Hartnell said: “Just another way for the council to make thousands of pounds. Why add something so unsightly to a beach that is already struggling to maintain a beautiful look, given the much needed yet ugly coastal defences. I would gladly sign a petition to oppose any beach hut erection.”

Graham Bishop added that the ‘first good storm’ would wash the huts away, while Nadine Howe called for them to be accessible to local people.

Moira Lascelles said: “More beach huts would be a shame. Seaton always looks so much better as soon as all the beach huts disappear, so why inflict them on Sidmouth as well?” Lee Solman disagreed, saying: “I can’t see the problem with beach huts on Clifton beach. Could look good.”

Supporting the plans, district councillor David Cox said: “Not surprisingly there is considerable demand for beach huts at Sidmouth, which cannot, at present, be met. These additional huts will give more people the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful local amenity and will enhance the new development at Jacob’s Ladder.”

1 comment:

Pelagic Thursday, January 22, 2015

Why ruin what is a prime area of the esplanade , with beach huts for 10 tenants?

‘Huts will hurt our seafront’ - News - Sidmouth Herald


BUDLEIGH SALTERTON: Consultation to be held on beach hut plan

16 January 2015 Sean Keywood

Beach huts at Budleigh Salterton.

Plans by district bosses to sell beach huts on Budleigh Salterton beach are to be subject to further consultation.

At its most recent meeting, East Devon District Council’s cabinet considered changes to its beach huts across East Devon, including plans to offer those who currently rent a hut in Budleigh the chance to buy it, subsequently renting just the site. Councillors decided that more consultation should be carried out before the Budleigh scheme goes ahead.

Budleigh councillor and deputy cabinet member for the environment, Tom Wright, previously said he was keen to protect huts rented out for short periods by Budleigh Tourist Information Centre. The council says its plan would save money on maintenance, while tenants would quickly be able to recoup their purchase price through the cheaper rent they would pay for the site on its own.

Pending the result of the consultation, the scheme is scheduled to be implemented by the council in April 2016.

It will also be considering possible alternative uses for its beach hut storage facility in Station Road, which would no longer be needed if the huts were sold.

Consultation to be held on beach hut plan - News - Exmouth Journal


EXMOUTH: Leisure area deal will change face of seafront

15 January 2015 David Beasley

Watersports centre

Building work on a new, two-acre, two-storey seafront watersports centre could begin later this year, following a deal between district bosses and an Exeter-based developer.

But, as a consequence, 37 of Exmouth’s iconic multi-coloured beach huts will need to be dismantled - changing the face of the seafront.

The proposal, by Grenadier Estates, has been accepted by East Devon District Council (EDDC), and represents the first phase of the new Queen’s Drive leisure area. Once built, the development will include a clubhouse/restaurant, shops, cafés, showers, changing rooms, toilets, offices, a training room and a bar with an open-air theatre. The centre will also give schools a boost, allowing them to add watersports to their sporting curriculums.

Although outline planning consent has been agreed, detailed planning permission would be needed before building work can start. The development relies on diverting part of Queen’s Drive behind the site, allowing easier access to the beach.

But this means that the beach huts would need to be removed. Work could begin this year.

Some businesses have been allowed to continue trading until September, while the Model Railway has already closed after district bosses refused to extend the lease.

Jason Hayes, Grenadier Estates’ chief executive, said: “Our proposal is that the facility will ultimately be run by a Community Interest Company, which is bound by its ability to use its profits and assets for the public good. This will be of enormous benefit to Exmouth, its residents and visitors.”

EDDC’s Exmouth Champion, Littleham councillor John Humphreys, said: “Re-routing the road will make a huge difference to users of our seafront. It will be safer, more family friendly and the plans offer new, much more diverse and exciting facilities for both residents and visitors. More and more people are interested in water-based activities, and with this development, they will see Exmouth as a natural destination. More facilities, more jobs, more opportunities. Local people will have even more reason to be delighted that they live in this jewel on Devon’s coastline, It’s a win-win situation.”

Leisure area deal will change face of seafront - News - Exmouth Journal
A third of seafront beach huts could disappear in facelift - News - Exmouth Journal
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