Alexandria Road site under used

SIR - We are appalled that East Devon District Council is contemplating another industrial site in Sidford when the Alexandria Road site in Sidmouth is totally under utilised.

Public consultation is a euphemism for just what the council wants to achieve without any consideration to the opinions and needs of the residents of Sidmouth.

I know the council has to keep increasing its revenue because of less Government funding and rising costs but this way of raising revenue will be a permanent scar on the landscape of Sidmouth which relies predominantly on tourism for trade and revenue coming into the town.

We would like to know if a feasibility study has been undertaken to ascertain who is going to occupy these units.

The proposed site is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Government policy stipulates that only in exceptional circumstances should land designated as an ANOB be built on.

The Ford complex at Alexandria Road is very much under utilised and could expand considerably with little or no effect on the local residents and amenities.

The intention to relocate from Knowle would, I assume, be at great expense to council tax payers, and would question for what purpose other than to put more dwellings in what is an historical area of Sidmouth.

Is the intention of the development committee to change the face of Sidmouth with over density housing, a possible supermarket that would affect the local shops, and, in the end, lose the identity of one of the few seaside resorts that has charm, character and attracts visitors 12 months of the year?

As an elected representative of the people of Sidmouth, you (EDDC) should be open and honest as to your ultimate intentions, and public consultation should mean what it says, listen to the majority and act accordingly.

JH and CA Watling

Fortescue, Sidmouth