More historic blue plaques for Sidmouth > SVA launches 'blue book'

The SVA has been busy updating its blue plaques:
Futures Forum: More historic blue plaques for Sidmouth nominated > including Woolcombe House

And this week, it has published its latest volume: 

Sidmouth history on display with new release of blue plaque book

PUBLISHED: 14:09 08 May 2019

Clarissa Place

Sidmouth's most important buildings and people are the centre of a guide book highlighting the town's history.

The Sid Vale Association (SVA) launched the 'blue book' on Wednesday, a comprehensive guide to all 64 of the town's blue plaques.

It took a dedicated team two years to compile due to extensive research, consideration and application to secure the prestigious plaques for a number of new sites.

Kennaway House recently received its plaque due to its connection to J.R.R. Tolkien, who is said to have written much of The Lord of the Rings in Aurora, now the back portion of the Regency property.

Richard Thurlow, from the SVA said at the launch on Wednesday: "This marks the culmination of a huge amount of work over the last couple of years from a dedicated team. I'm very pleased to launch the blue book today.

"We had to research the history or update the history to make sure it was all relevant and sometimes new facts have come to light. The number [of plaques] is almost irrelevant. We have had to judge the level of what we want to put a blue plaque on, is the building important architecturally? Has it got any historical importance and who visited there? If any of those three connections were met then it was considered for a blue plaque."

It is hoped there will be blue plaque tours around the town in future.

Julia Creeke first published Life and Times in Sidmouth in 1992 when there were 32 plaques and updated the guide in 2012. She teamed up again with the SVA when it was decided to rewrite the book back in 2016. The third edition is complemented by a pocket size version of the guide.

Ms Creeke was assisted this time by Nigel Hyman, curator of Sidmouth Museum, John McCarthy, illustrator John Dowell and editor Nigel Rugg-Gunn.

Ms Creeke said: "We started work on this some two-and-a-bit years ago, I thought I cannot go on doing this by myself and sent out a cry for help and help was very forthcoming. It's going to tell a lot of people a lot about our history."

Both Mr Thurlow and Ms Creeke each received a small token for their dedication to the project.

The book is now on sale for £9.75, with the pocket size guide available for £1.50.

SVA release new book on history of Sidmouth's 64 blue plaques | Latest Sidmouth and Ottery News - Sidmouth Herald

With more information here:
Blue Plaques - SVA
Sidmouth Town Website - Blue Plaques
Sidmouth Town Website - The Sidmouth Blue Plaque Walk
Blue Plaque for Kennaway House!
Alma Bridge, Sidmouth blue plaque | Open Plaques
.
.
.

East Devon Heritage Strategy and Local List of Heritage Assets >>> report from strategic planning cttee

Last month's District Council Strategic Planning Committee considered its heritage strategy:
Futures Forum: East Devon Heritage Strategy and Local List of Heritage Assets >>> report for strategic planning cttee

The 'draft minutes' have just been published:
Browse meetings - Strategic Planning Committee - East Devon

Interestingly, East Budleigh has been chosen as a pilot scheme - because of its relative size and because of good contacts with the Otter Valley Association.

Nevertheless, due to the intervention of Cllr David Barratt of Sidmouth, it was made clear that the Sid Vale Association would be involved in a second, larger pilot scheme: 

Heritage Strategy 

The report presented to the committee outlined the outcome of the public consultation on the Heritage Strategy and sought agreement to the adoption of the East Devon Heritage Strategy 2019 – 2031, subject to amendments outlined in the report and to the introduction of a pilot scheme for a Conservation Area review in a phased approach for East Budleigh including the Otter Valley Association. 
The Service Lead, Planning Strategy and Development Management advised that 34 responses to the consultation had been received from consultees including local history and amenity groups, neighbourhood planning groups, and town and parish councils. Members noted that the responses received were largely positive including minor comments about detail and engagement with other groups and comments about the timing and monitoring of the action plan. Members also noted a positive response had been received from Historic England endorsing the strategy. 

The Committee were supportive of the recommendation and comments included:

 Clarification was sought about recommending East Budleigh for the pilot scheme. In response the Service Lead, Planning Strategy and Development Management advised East Budleigh was a typical example of a conservation area with a community group and neighbourhood planning group that were keen to be involved. 
 Clarification was sought if East Budleigh had been chosen because of its historic association. In response the Service Lead, Planning Strategy and Development Management confirmed this was the main reason and drew attention to the Otter Valley Association and the Neighbourhood Planning Groups. 
 Clarification was sought whether the parish council was aware of the proposal. In response the Service Lead, Planning Strategy was not able to confirm but advised the Policy Team had liaised with all the community groups. 
 Clarification was sought on the Sid Vale Association’s interest on the pilot scheme and whether two schemes could be run at the same time. The Service Lead, Planning Strategy and Development Management advised he was aware there had been interest but wanted to use a smaller town for the pilot to learn from; 
 The need for an additional planning officer to help undertake the task. In response the Chief Executive confirmed that additional staff resources were not envisaged; 
 The need to protect heritage; 
 The need to engage with national bodies including The National Trust; 

RESOLVED: 
1. That the East Devon Heritage Strategy 2019 – 2031 as detailed in this report be approved. 
2. That the pilot scheme for a Conservation Area review for East Budleigh including the Otter Valley Association as described in the Heritage Strategy be approved.


Printed minutes 26th-Mar-2019 10.00 Strategic Planning Committee.pdf
.
.
.

East Devon AONB Heritage Conference > Saturday 27th April

The East Devon AONB annual conference is always interesting: 

AONB Heritage Conference 2019

Saturday 27 April 2019

Artefacts, Museums and the Historic Environment

The conference will this year explore themes relating to the local distinctiveness of East Devon museums, the landscape that surrounds them and the history of their collections.

As in previous years, the conference will include a mix of presentations by heritage professionals and local enthusiasts, plus a European dimension.

Saturday 27 April 2019 - 9.30am - 4.00pm

Early bird fee of £18 per person (if received by 28 Feb). Fee £20 thereafter. Includes lunch and refreshments.

View more information and the booking form here

Heritage Conference flyer2019.pdf
East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Welcome - East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
.
.
.

"Rocks, Rivers and Coast" > talk on the River Sid, coastal erosion and the geology of the Jurassic Coast > Weds 13th March

The SVA's third annual Bob Symes lecture is happening next week:

SVA Talk – Rocks, Rivers and Coast

The Herald has a few more details: 

SVA welcomes earth scientist as guest speaker

PUBLISHED: 12:27 09 March 2019 | UPDATED: 12:36 09 March 2019

Clarissa Place

Sidmouth’s geology will be the topic of discussion at this year’s Bob Symes lecture.

The Sid Vale Association will welcome Dr Roger Trend, a retired university earth scientist lecturer as the talk’s guest speaker on Wednesday (March 13).

Dr Trend’s lecture – Rocks, Rivers and Coast, selected episodes from Sidmouth’s deep past – will look at the River Sid and coastal erosion and the geology of the Jurassic Coast around Sidmouth. The hydrologist leads geology walks around Sidmouth and has written several books about the subject.

The talk is the annual Bob Symes lecture which is held in conjunction with the local branch of the National Trust. Dr Symes, a geologist himself, was curator of Sidmouth Museum and a member of the National Trust until his death three years ago.

The talk begins at 2.30pm at the Manor Pavilion, entry costs £2 and includes a cup of tea.

SVA welcomes earth scientist as guest speaker | Latest Sidmouth and Ottery News - Sidmouth Herald
.
.
.

The Sid Valley Ring > a new footpath around Sidmouth and its environs

A collaborative project is well under way to help locals and visitors enjoy the landscape of the Sid Valley - as reported in the Herald's monthly magazine:

Stepping out around Sidmouth

PUBLISHED: 07:00 05 January 2019

Words: Richard Eley

The River Sid. Picture: Ed Dolphin

A new walking route could soon be created around Sidmouth.

Salcombe Hill. Picture: Ed Dolphin

Plans for a new 13-mile signed footpath around the Sid Valley are moving forward.

The proposals is a joint venture, funded by the Sid Vale Association and Sidmouth Town Council, and supported by the Chamber of Commerce.

Whilst the internet has many suggested walking routes in and around Sidmouth, it is felt that an easy to follow, and definitive, signed walk will be much more accessible, and popular with both visitors and residents.

The intention is to make the walk, which is provisionally called the Sid Valley Ring, as attractive as possible to users, and to showcase all that is best about the town and its environs.

Core Hill. Picture: Carolyn Trussell.

The precise route is not yet established, but it is expected to be around 13 miles in length, and will visit Sidbury, Harcombe and Salcombe Regis, as well as Sidmouth itself.

A link via The Byes will allow the walk to be conducted in two sections, if 13 miles seems a bit daunting for some.

A preliminary survey has been conducted, and it is hoped to deliver the project within twelve months or so.

The signed walk is seen as a long term project that will improve Sidmouth’s tourism offer, and provide wider health and amenity benefits to the community.

A spokesman for the committee commented: “The parish of Sidmouth has a dense network of public footpaths, so designing the route is challenging, simply because there are so many options to choose from.

“As well as the superb scenery of our area, there will also be the opportunity to highlight many of our listed buildings, and specimen trees; and to acquaint locals and visitors alike with snippets of local history.’

Diana East, of the Sidmouth Arboretum, said: “Sidmouth Arboretum has for many years promoted walking through our Tree Trail leaflets. Our project of labelling selected trees, already begun in various town locations, will be extended to cover selected trees on our Tree Trails.

“The Ring project will enhance existing trails, including the East Devon Way , by making it easier to explore new places and find out more about the wonderful environment of the Sid valley.”

Walking is by far the most popular activity amongst visitors to the South West, according to figures from South West Tourism. Thirty-seven per cent of tourists to the region cite walking as the prime activity of their holiday, with beaches and shopping trailing well behind with 16 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

In recent years, Sidmouth has signed up to the ‘Walkers Are Welcome’ organisation and has promoted the increasingly successful and well-supported Walking Festival every September.

These initiatives, together with the impressive work of the volunteer-based Parish Paths Partnership (P3), have gradually turned Sidmouth into a respected and popular walking destination.

It is hoped that the creation of the Sid Valley Ring will further encourage the enjoyment of our wonderful footpath network by both residents and holiday-makers.’

To read more features from East Devon Resident, click here.

Stepping out around town with Sidmouth Arboretum | Sidmouth and Ottery breaking news and sport - Sidmouth Herald
.
.
.

A history of Sidmouth's cottage hospitals

The One Magazine always carries a piece written by the curator of the Sidmouth Museum - which is always of interest, not only because it covers some aspect of local heritage, but because the writer always puts it into context:
East Devon Online Magazine - One Magazine

Here is this month's contribution from Nigel Hyman, reprinted with permission:

SIDMOUTH COTTAGE HOSPITALS

In England the first cottage hospital was in Cranleigh,Surrey in 1859. By the 1890s there were at least 300 similar hospitals. Sidmouth opened its first one, May Cottage, in 1885 and, such was its success, in 1892 opened the purpose built Victoria Cottage Hospital.

In 1884 a group of well- known locals formed a committee. They included Mr Field, Mr Trump, the lawyer Mr Radford, his daughter Constance and the much admired Reverend Clements. May Cottage was chosen and subscribers sought. Generous benefactors were Colonel Balfour, Lord of the Manor and the owner of the property, and Annie Leigh Browne who offered to pay rent for the first 5 years. A year later the first floor of the house was converted into an operating theatre and a 4 bedded ward. 21 patients were admitted in the first 12 months and the general public were urged to provide subscriptions of 10s 6d which would allow one patient to be treated in any one calendar year. Cynics felt that this method simply provided a method for wealthy people to ensure that their servants were well looked after. Characteristically Peter Orlando Hutchinson did not subscribe, writing in his diary that he needed all his money to continue building his Old Chancel.

It was apparent that a purpose built hospital was required and once again subscribers found the capital and Colonel Balfour now offered a parcel of his land for the construction. Queen Victoria consented for her name to be used and in 1892 it opened. There were 10 beds and several criteria for admission. It was specifically for ‘poor persons’ without infections and, specifically, without consumption (tuberculosis). Injuries were accepted but those with ‘chronic’ disease and mental disorders had to look elsewhere.

Figures from the 1920s show that inpatient numbers were fairly static at 200/year with a total of about 100 operations. Curiously, annual outpatient visits fell from a peak in 1921 of 1200 to little more than 100 a decade later. Clearly the main focus was on ward care.

‘Ownership’ of the hospital was very important and fund raising was continual. When the Duke of Connaught, Queen Victoria’s son, chose Sidmouth as his winter quarters in the early 1930s he unsurprisingly found himself patron of the Hospital.

The value of ‘cottage’ hospitals has been debated from the Victorian period to the present day. Aneurin Bevan, who presided over the birth of the NHS, said: ‘Although I am not a devotee of bigness for bigness’s sake, I would rather be kept alive in the efficient if cold altruism of a large hospital than expire in a gush of warm sympathy in a small one.’

Counterintuitively there is contemporary evidence to suggest that mortality after surgery is proportionate to the size of the hospital. This may reflect reduced rates of infection. Although difficult to quantify, the ‘homely’ feeling, the quiet environment and the ease with which relatives and friends can visit must all contribute to a patient’s well- being.

Nigel Hyman 

Sidmouth Museum closes on December 8 and reopens on March 22 2019.

Photograph

Victoria Cottage Hospital 1904

Sidmouth Museum - Home | Facebook
Museum - SVA
Sidmouth Museum - Museums in Sidmouth
.
.
.

A Celebration of Trees > photos and thanks

A great time was had by all at last week's Arboretum event:
Futures Forum: A Celebration of Trees > Friday 30th November > stalls, songs, talks, quiz, snacks, bar...

Or so it seems:

Story-telling from Jon Freeman

Mousey display from the National Trust

Intent attention from attendees

Prize-giving from quiz-master Ed Dolphin

Song and movement from Sid Vale Folk

Sidmouth Arboretum - Home | Facebook

With a thank-you in today's letters pages of the Herald:

“The Sidmouth Arboretum would like to thank all those who generously gave their time to enlighten and entertain us all at last Friday’s Celebration of Trees.

Firstly, we are very grateful to Nikki and her team at Kennaway House for their as-ever professional preparation of the Cellar Bar for the occasion.

The evening was kicked off by the joyous melodies of Tess Bisson and the Sid Vale Folk, all in good voice and filling the space with songs celebrating trees.

A big thanks too to our speakers – to John Wilding MBE, head of Forestry and Environment at Clinton Devon Estates; to Tracey West of Word Forest, based in Lyme Regis but doing fantastic work with reforestation projects in Kenya; and to Jon Freeman of the Clyst Valley Ancient Trees project who gave us a wonderfully lively rendition of a folk tale from the wilds of old Scandinavia.

The fantastic array of stalls from other tree-minded groups added to the variety of the evening, including: Devon Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Byes, Forestry Commission, National Trust, Sid Vale Association, Sid Valley Bat Research Project and Sidmouth Rotary Club.

Not forgetting our thanks to local woodturners Diana and Martin Russell and to local artist Cherry Ferris and her beautiful pyrography work – who brought in craft as seasonal gifts to take away.

And thank you to all the members of the public who turned up to join in the fun.

We at the Sidmouth Arboretum look forward to seeing everyone again next year at our Celebration of Trees.”

Sidmouth and Ottery breaking news and sport - Sidmouth Herald
.
.
.

A Celebration of Trees > Friday 30th November > stalls, songs, talks, quiz, snacks, bar...

Last Saturday saw Sidmouth's first Tree Dressing:

Sidmouth Arboretum added 7 new photos to the album Tree Dressing 2018 — at Sidmouth Parish Church

24 November at 10:42 · 

The Arboretum's first annual tree dressing to celebrate Tree Charter Day. The awful weather didn't dampen enthusiasm.

Sidmouth Arboretum - Home | Facebook
Futures Forum: Tree-dressing at Sidmouth Parish Church > decorating a veteran yew > Saturday 24th November

And tomorrow sees more celebration of trees:

Sidmouth Arboretum 
Futures Forum: A Celebration of Trees > Friday 30th November
.
.
.

Heritage assets and a Heritage Strategy for East Devon >>> to be considered by the District Council

Last month, the Sid Vale Association's sister the Otter Valley Association vented its frustration over the countless delays in considering the District Council's 'local list' of heritage assets:
Futures Forum: District Council postpones yet again its review into heritage assets

This will at last be looked at during this week's meeting of the strategic planning committee:

Agenda for Strategic Planning Committee Tuesday, 27 November 2018, 10am

12 Heritage Strategy (pages 79-167)

This report introduces a consultation draft of the Heritage Strategy for East Devon.  

Heritage Strategy 

Purpose of report: 
To agree a draft Heritage Strategy for public consultation. 
The strategy (2018 – 2031) brings together information on the heritage of East Devon and identifies the issues, challenges and opportunities for the future with a plan of recommended actions. 

Recommendation: 
That Members: Agree the draft Heritage Strategy for public consultation in accordance with the adopted Statement of Community Involvement. 

Reason for recommendation: 
The NPPF (para.185) states that “Plans should set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats.” The Local Plan outlines its policies and broad strategies for the district’s heritage, whilst the Heritage Strategy sets out more detailed aims, objectives and a plan of recommended actions. 
A public consultation on the draft strategy will ensure that we receive feedback on our proposals and that our approach is undertaken in an open and transparent way and that we have addressed the most relevant issues. 

Officer: Jacqui Best 

271118strategicplanningcombinedagenda.pdf

It is understood that District Councillors attended a workshop in the issue last month - and that the feedback was 'very positive'.

It is intended that, once there is full approval of the proposals, that they will to go out to consultation for 8 weeks starting as of next week.

The Heritage Strategy also recommends the production of a Local List Guide: it is expected that the draft guide will be put forward for consultation at the earliest opportunity, which will be the next Strategic Planning Committee in January.

See also:
Futures Forum: Locally Listed Heritage Assets: report for East Devon
Futures Forum: Local Heritage Assets: 'making better use of the available resources to identify, protect and maintain the historic buildings and places that matter to local communities.'
.
.
.

Heritage Counts in the South West ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... but East Devon's Heritage Strategy is postponed again

Next Tuesday, the Strategic Planning Committee meets:
Strategic Planning Committee - East Devon

It will be almost exclusively be focussing on the government's demands for more housing and on the plans for expanding the Greater Exeter area:
Futures Forum: District Council to consider government's latest forecast for minimum number of new homes to be built in East Devon > "A second Cranbrook new town or more new villages"
Futures Forum: The Greater Exeter Strategic Plan and 57,000 new houses

It had been hoped that a draft Heritage Strategy would be going on to the agenda for this Strategic Planning Committee - but this has once again had to be postponed.

Here are a few points about the Strategy:
> The issue of the positive role that heritage has and can play in promoting our town centres and high streets, which is covered in the strategy with recommended actions, is apparently of particular interest.
> Within the document a recommendation is made for a 'local list' Supplementary Planning Document, with guidance on selection criteria.

> The local list document produced in 2016 will be updated, once the heritage strategy has been approved for consultation, to reflect any recent changes to the guidance from Historic England and the revised National Planning Policy Framework.

> The draft heritage strategy currently aims to increase community involvement especially where there are strong neighbourhood planning groups and historic associations. 

Meanwhile, Historic England has put much store in the value of 'heritage' to the economy:
Heritage and the Economy | Historic England

It has produced a separate document for the South West:
Heritage Counts in the South West | Historic England

Meanwhile in Stroud:

A Heritage Strategy for Stroud District 

Valuing our historic environment and assets 

Proposed Supplementary Planning Advice Consultation Paper – July 2017

Why a heritage strategy? 

0.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) advocates that local planning authorities should produce a clear and positive strategy for the conservation and management of their area’s heritage1 . Across the country, different local authorities have interpreted this in different ways. Some places identify a need to highlight a heritage which is somehow hidden, or bolster a heritage which is undervalued. For others, the impetus for producing a heritage strategy is closely bound up with trying to strengthen, reinvent or ‘rebrand’ their area, in conjunction with an ambitious cultural, economic or development vision for the future. Some areas have chosen to produce a strategy which looks at wider cultural heritage, encompassing built, natural and social assets, to reinforce a sense of community or paint a particular picture of their area. 

0.2 And rightly so, because our built, natural and cultural heritage is fundamental to our local identity, and often to our quality of life. 

0.3 In Stroud District, our heritage is certainly not invisible. Far from it: it is all around us. In fact, it is so much part of the scenery, so much a backdrop to our lives, that perhaps we don’t perceive its value or recognise its impact as much as visitors do. 

0.4 Stroud District has a genuinely exceptional collection of assets and a very high quality environment. So this Strategy is really about making sure that we value them, that we don’t take this resource for granted, and that we all manage the District’s assets in such a way that we hand on a positive legacy for the future.

consultation-draft-heritage-strategy_july-2017.pdf
.
.
.

Plans for Port Royal: latest news on the sale of the Drill Hall

Things have been happening over August:
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: questions raised at full District Council meeting > and more questions
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: BREAKING NEWS: a community bid for the Drill Hall launched > "Sidmouth Sunrise Drill Hall"
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: the Drill Hall is structurally sound
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: a community bid for the Drill Hall > "Sidmouth Sunrise Drill Hall" campaign looking for help

Here's the latest newsletter from the campaign to save the Drill Hall:

After Folk Week

Dear Friends, Phew, I don't know how many of you attended Folk Week, and I don't know how busy you were if you did, but I have only just recovered! I really enjoyed 'working the queues' for the Ham and elsewhere and talking to all the lovely people who are interested in saving the Drill Hall, and thank you to those who signed up for the newsletter as a result. Many of the people we talked to were locals and only about a dozen couples out of the ones we spoke to thought the hall should be demolished. I don't know how many individuals we actually reached because they were either in couples or larger groups in the main. However I do know that we handed out more than 1200 info cards to couples/groups who were interested, and left many more in local shops and pubs to be handed out too. You may also have seen the posters that were put up, and thanks to all the shopkeepers and venues who did that for us. Some of the leaders of dance workshops made announcements too and John Braithwaite ( Boss of Folk Week) took some info cards to spread around. All in all we received tremendous support. If anyone else wants to put up posters I can let you have images to print yourself. The only disappointing part of the week for us was the appalling 'display' put up by EDDC on the doors to the Drill Hall. I had been asking permission to put up a display there but I was refused unless I agreed not to say who was putting it up! Their rationale was that it would give me an unfair advantage over any other Community Group. I pointed out to them that if I was doing the work I should get an advantage and offered to only identify myself by a small copyright on the photographs, but that was still not acceptable. I was told that instead EDDC would be putting up their own display .... and what a display it was. Photos from 2013, pictures of all the areas which need work but not of those which have survived since it was built and are still sound, and all mounted by grey duct tape in an interesting 'crazy paving' type arrangement. I don't know whether they didn't care that the awful appearance reflected badly on them and/or JLL who are marketing it; or whether they were hoping people would assume it had been done by an incompetent Community Group. Either way it was not something that should have occurred ..... especially when I have been slammed for bringing Sidmouth into disrepute during Folk Week because I inform people about the Drill Hall. On the subject of Community Groups, some of you may have heard of a new group Sidmouth Sunrise? This is a Community Interest Company put together by Gillian Mitchell and two other directors and it aims to create a bid for the Drill Hall. As it would clearly be ridiculous for us to be in competition with each other Gillian and I are looking at ways we can work together and get the best result for Sidmouth. You can find her on FaceBook. I will keep you posted as things progress. Another interesting thing is that the results of the Sid Val Association survey of members' attitudes towards the Drill Hall should be completed soon. I hope that these result will encourage the SVA to support the community in a bid for the hall, after all, saving our heritage is why they were formed. kind regards, Mary PS. The automatic sign up to read the Structural Engineer's report has been causing problems! As the pages are automatically created by the WordPress plugin I have struggled to adapt them to something sensible. However, I have now achieved something which is a reasonable compromise I think. Please give it another go it you have previously given up in frustration :-D Structural report link

After Folk Week
Rescue Sidmouth Drill Hall - Sidmouth Drill Hall Rescue
.
.
.

Knowle relocation project: a net loss of hundreds of jobs

Both the District Council and the developers at Knowle have promised 'jobs': 

Creation of a number of on-site jobs to staff the development, in addition to the creation of off-site jobs in the care sector. 

More information revealed ahead of planning inquiry over future of The Knowle - Devon Live
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: PegasusLife appeal >>> >>> Inquiry to start Tuesday 28th November > press reports

This is admitted to be less than what is currently provided: 

Impact 

As we know from the previous Economic Impact Assessment, Sidmouth is estimated to experience a reduction in economic activity through the Council’s move. Those benefits will be redistributed between Honiton and Exmouth. Development of the Knowle for residential and/or care facilities would bring economic benefits of construction jobs, new residents’ spending as well as the additional potential for purchase of local services and possible new employment. Overall there will be an economic uplift distributed around the district.

eastdevon.gov.uk/media/526937/031214-cabinet-agenda-public-version.pdf
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: District Council cabinet meets Wednesday 3rd December: analysis of proposals

Even though all of this goes against planning policy:

Back in 2013, with the first planning application at Knowle, the second area which concerned the DMC (the Development Management Cttee, or the District Council's planning committee) was the fact that the application was contrary to policies to safeguard employment land and premises: 

Applications for Planning Permission and matters for determination

RESOLVED: that the application 12/1847/MOUT be refused, contrary to Officer
recommendation, for the following reasons:

2. The proposed development by virtue of the loss of a large area of current employment land and the loss of an existing park and walk facility which provides an important car parking facility used by visitors to the town and its businesses would have a significant detrimental impact on the economy of Sidmouth.

It has not been adequately demonstrated that all options for the retention of the site for employment uses have been fully explored or that there is a surplus of employment land in the locality. 

It is therefore considered that the proposed development would be contrary to the requirements of Policy E3 (Safeguarding Employment Land and Premises) of the adopted East Devon Local Plan.

combined-special-dmc-agenda-010313.pdf
combined-dmc-agenda-020413.pdf

And it is clear that Sidmouth will lose out: 

Economic Impact Assessment – Peter Brett Associates Aug 2012

4.8 A detailed critique of the Economic Impact Assessment is appended to this document at Appendix 1. In summary, The EconIA is seriously flawed. 

The adverse economic impacts are far greater than has been assessed. The critique concludes that:

·         Impacts on employment in Sidmouth have been significantly underestimated. It is calculated that 69 jobs will be lost overall, rather than the 3 suggested by PBA.

·         Impacts on spending in Sidmouth are similarly significantly underestimated. EDDC spending of £3.6m per annum has been discounted from the Assessment.

·         Consultation of the public and stakeholders has been inadequate.

·         The business questionnaire which was used to build the economic assessment is not fit for purpose.

Sid Vale Association - SVA Objections to proposed Knowle redevelopment
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project > Pegasus planning application 16/0872/MFUL >>> and the rejected planning application 12/1847/MOUT of 1st March 2013 >>> Part two: "Contrary to to the requirements of Policy E3 (Safeguarding Employment Land and Premises)"

Various figures have been given over the years as to how many staff are employed by the District Council at their HQ - but whatever the number, it's increasing:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: and increasing staff numbers

These hundreds of jobs will not be replaced by the PegasusLife development - as pointed out in this submission to the recent Appeal: 

Another benefit is given as the:

• Creation of a number of full time equivalent jobs on-site to staff the development, in addition to the creation of off-site jobs in the care sector.

A typical PegasusLife distortion because, if the number of FTE jobs is the 14 quoted by PegasusLife, the development will actually see a net loss of more than 200 jobs on-site, many of them highly skilled and well paid.

An increase in demand for care services is not a public benefit but a public disbenefit. As reported in the Sidmouth Herald’s #Could You Care Campaign, there is already a shortage of care workers in East Devon. With Brexit looming, this situation is predicted to become even worse. The last thing Sidmouth needs is an influx of more than a hundred people who might need to call in care services, hence Strategy 4 of the Local Plan which seeks to achieve more age-balanced communities.

Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: PegasusLife appeal inquiry >>> challenging the developer's heritage 'evidence' >>> and when public 'benefits' are 'disbenefits'

So, that's 14 jobs at the Knowle site. Compare about 100 promised at a similar development elsewhere in Devon: 

The proposed community English Care Villages is offering at Torquay will be committed to creating an environment where life revolves around close and continuing contact with staff, other residents and friends – minimising loneliness, helplessness and boredom.

Local employment

Creating over 100 new jobs for local people ? in hospitality, care and housekeeping, administration, maintenance, wellness and fitness. We prefer to source goods, supplies and maintenance contracts from the immediate area to support local businesses.

About the retirement community | Torquay Care Village
.
.
.