Knowle relocation project: Pegasus as preferred bidder... However, its proposals for ‘one of the finest coastal properties’ in South Devon have been rejected by Dawlish Town Council 'on the grounds of overdevelopment'.

The breaking news today from the Herald:

BREAKING: Mystery Knowle bidder revealed

13:00 04 March 2015 Harvey Gavin

EDDC's Knowle HQ. Ref shs 7705-15-12SH Picture: Simon Horn

A specialist retirement community developer is lined up to buy the district council offices at Knowle, if the authority gives the go-ahead later this month.

The Herald can reveal that Pegasus Life Ltd is the preferred bidder for the East Devon District Council-owned site, and has offered ‘between £7million and 8million’ for the land.

The company is proposing to replace the existing offices with ‘retirement and extra care living for over 100 people’, according to council documents.

The controversial relocation project would see EDDC use the money from the Knowle sale to fund a move to vacant offices at Exmouth Town Hall and purpose built facilities at Honiton’s Heathpark.

Councillors will consider the proposals in three meetings planned this month, with a final decision due to be made on March 25.

See the full story in Friday’s Herald.

BREAKING: Mystery Knowle bidder revealed - News - Sidmouth Herald
Knowle bidder revealed by Herald | East Devon Watch

Certainly, retirement property is a premium:
Retirement property: follow the market - Telegraph
... with the preferred developer at Knowle promising several projects in the pipeline:
PegasusLife Retirement Homes | Developments for Over 55s

Pegasus are marketing their development in Seaford, between Brighton and Eastbourne
New Retirement Apartments For Sale In Seaford
... but a petition has been calling for more affordable housing instead:
Concerns raised about plans to build retirement homes in Seaford - Sussex Express

Its proposals for Harpenden, St Albans
New properties for sale in Harpenden by PegasusLife
... have been rejected by the planning authorities:
Developer likely to appeal over rejection of Harpenden retirement home plan - News - Herts Advertiser

And it's plans for Dawlish
New retirement site situated on the prime South Devon Coast
... have raised concerns from the likes of Network Rail:
BBC News - Dawlish storms rail line 'threatened by cliff homes'
Network Rail in warning against Dawlish cliff housing plan | Torquay Herald Express

... and are causing concerns about what it will replace and how much development it will produce:

One of South Devon's finest coastal homes may be demolished to create luxury complex for older people

By GinnyWare | Posted: December 07, 2014











PLANS have been submitted to demolish a coastal Georgian house in Dawlish and replace it with a luxury mini complex for older people.

Developers Pegasus Life want to knock down Shell Cove House in Old Teignmouth Road and in its place build 31 apartments and cottages for people aged over 55.

The former family holiday complex was put on the market last year with a price guide of nearly £2million.

It was up for sale for the first time in more than 40 years and was described by estate agents as ‘one of the finest coastal properties’ in South Devon.

The estate has panoramic sea views and a private beach and consists of 2.49 acres of mature gardens and grounds featuring a swimming pool and croquet lawn.

Plans to redevelop the site include demolishing the existing house and cottages and building 15 new cottages and 16 apartments.

These will consist of 13 two-bed cottages and two three-bed cottages, plus 16 two-bed apartments.

Howard Phillips, chief executive of Pegasus Life, specialist developers of homes for older generation, said: “Since the spring we have worked closely with neighbours of Shell Cove House and local stakeholders to develop our plans for the site.

“Following consultation we have made a number of changes to the scheme which will ensure the development is sensitive to the needs of the local area as well as potential residents”.

Dawlish Town Council recommended refusal of the plans on the grounds of overdevelopment and concerns about developing so close to the cliff edge.

Local residents and the South West Coastpath Association say the development would provide the opportunity to re-route the coast path from the Old Teignmouth Road to around the seaward side of Shell Cove House to provide coastal views.

The Newton Abbot Ramblers group say this would restore ‘an historic route of natural beauty along our coastline’.

There are also calls to open up public access to Shell Cove Beach.

One of South Devon's finest coastal homes may be demolished to create luxury complex for older people shell cove house dawlish | Torquay Herald Express
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