Infrastructure, transport and redevelopment plans are likely to be at the heart of survey

Business owners, groups and organisations are being called upon to complete a comprehensive survey and help shape the future of the Sid Valley.

Infrastructure, transport and redevelopment plans are likely to be at the heart of a study that will be launched on Monday, September 12, to determine what issues affect commercial, cultural and community sectors.

The survey is the latest phase of the £46,000 community–led Neighbourhood Plan that, once adopted, will form a statutory blueprint to influence development in Sidmouth, Sidford, Sidbury and Salcombe Regis.

Deirdre Hounsom is chair of the steering group leading the project and explained the online questionnaire will be emailed to at least 800 businesses, clubs, organisations and churches and will also be available to download via the Sidmouth Town Council website.

She said: “People may have already answered questions in the residents’ survey, but this is a chance to answer from the point of view of the business or organisation they represent.

“The Neighbourhood Plan, once adopted, will last for the next 15 years and we feel it’s very important to conduct a full survey of groups and businesses. We will touch on the redevelopment of Port Royal and Sidford Business Park plans.

“There will be space for representatives to give narrative responses about how they feel they are helped or hindered and outline any other concerns and problems.

“We know what individuals have said, but this is more about the infrastructure of the Sid Valley and what helps and hinders businesses and groups.”

She added that responses will not only help shape the content of the Neighbourhood Plan, but will also feed into the Port Royal scoping study to determine redevelopment plans for Sidmouth’s eastern town.

Respondents will have six weeks to complete the questionnaire.

The survey is available online only. Visit www.sidmouth.gov.uk for further information about the Sid Valley Neighbourhood Plan or to download the questionnaire on behalf of a group or business.