Knowle relocation project: District Council "have not yet agreed anything" about developers using the public car park and meadow for 'storage space'

Fears have been expressed that the developer at Knowle will be able to make use of car parking and public parkland not previously agreed to:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: How have PegasusLife been allowed to use the public car park and meadow for 'storage space' and what exactly does the promise of a 'bigger and better car park' once work is finished mean?

This was brought up at last week's full District Council meeting:

EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held at Knowle, Sidmouth, on Wednesday, 12 December 2018

Public speaking
The Chairman welcomed those present and invited members of the public to address the Council.

Ed Dolphin wanted to take the opportunity of addressing the Full Council on the subject of Pegasus Life, the lower Car Park and parkland in Knowle Park, and the flood attenuation scheme. He wanted to express concern about a decision that would have a long term effect on the town of Sidmouth. 
He stated that the Pegasus Life’s Construction Phasing Strategy shows they could accommodate all the building works within the space they purchased. 
He pointed out that it had been suggested that without the extra storage space, large delivery vehicles might inconvenience residents by using Broadway and Knowle Drive which is not indicated in the Construction Phasing Strategy or Inspector’s conditions. 
He stated his belief that Pegasus’ plans will force Devon County Council to modify their planned flood alleviation scheme for Station Road which was bound to involve more cost and impact further on the park. 
He stated his understanding that Sidmouth Town Council has not debated building an extended car park on the ground and levying charges on it, for which they would have had to go through the proper planning process. He pointed out that such plans were a major event for the town and should be open to full scrutiny.

The Deputy Chief Executive responded by stating that East Devon District Council (EDDC) were aware of the concerns of Mr Dolphin and of the regard which Sidmouth Town Council has for the car park. EDDC have not yet agreed anything and are in discussion with the Town Council and County Council on the respective matters raised. Any extensions to the car park must go through the proper planning process and be included in the construction plan.

EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held at Knowle, Sidmouth, on Wednesday, 12 December 2018 
.
.
.