Saturday, 6 June 2015

Knowle relocation project: timetable may be subject to delay

In the light of the defeat of the motion to postpone the relocation from Knowle
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: "spineless and arrogant"

... the District Council immediately released this press statement, including a timetable

Cross party majority squashes Independent Group councillors proposal to delay council relocation

4 June 2015


Cross party majority squashes Independent Group councillors proposal to delay council relocation
Conservatives and Liberal Democrats unite in favour of continuing sale of Knowle sale and office move


At an Extraordinary meeting of East Devon District Council last night (3 June 2015), Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors voted by a resounding majority in favour of rejecting a motion initiated by 15 Independent Group councillors who were seeking to suspend the council’s office relocation.

The cross party vote - made by 38 Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors, versus 15 Independent Group councillors and one Liberal Democrat councillor - effectively squashed the motion to delay East Devon’s moving plans. Most importantly, it ensures that the council can continue to progress its relocation, which incorporates the sale of Knowle in Sidmouth and a move to new purpose-built offices in Honiton and modernised accommodation in Exmouth...

Full council, backed by Cabinet, together with Overview & Scrutiny and Audit & Governance committees, as well as external auditors the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP) have all rigorously reviewed, debated and considered numerous detailed reports and are all in agreement that relocation is the best way forward for the council and ultimately the people it serves...


Provisional relocation/Knowle sale timetable

This overall timetable is for guidance only as it may be subject to delay, depending on planning related matters.

June 2015 – East Devon is due to exchange contracts with Pegasus Life Ltd - the developer which has been selected to purchase and develop Knowle. Pegasus specialises in providing retirement homes and extra care facilities, for which there is huge demand in Sidmouth.

July 2015 – design team due to be appointed.

September 2015 –construction contractor due to be appointed.

May 2016 – Heathpark and Exmouth (if necessary) planning applications to be considered.

June 2016 – Pegasus planning application to be considered.

July 2016 - Council will review planning decisions.

August 2016 – Work due to begin on Heathpark and Exmouth town hall.

October 2017 – Council due to move offices.


4 June 2015 - Cross party majority squashes Independent Group councillors proposal to delay council relocation - East Devon

Meanwhile, there is the comment from the Save Our Sidmouth blog:

Note from SOS: This means a 15 month construction and move programme for the new offices at Heathpark; quite a commitment.

Provisional relocation/Knowle sale timetable | Save Our Sidmouth

See also:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: "A magnificent new development coming soon, situated in a stunning, historic landscape with extensive gardens and leisure spaces."
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: Is the site being sold off cheaply? The Knowle site is valued at £7million ... whereas the Alexandria Road site was valued at £9million
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: deciding to sell >>>>>>>>>> >>> 'overage' and the dangers of selling Knowle short
Futures Forum: 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'.
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