A firm with ‘similar experience and knowledge of the area’ has been appointed to conduct a scoping study to explore options for Port Royal’s regeneration.

Key members of the £10,000 project’s reference group selected Jillings Heynes Planning last week from three options last week.

The Exeter-based consultants will determine what types of development are possible and viable, as well as what kinds of ideas there are for the site.

They will use feedback from their own research as well as ideas being gathered through previous studies, current consultations such as the Neighbourhood Plan and through the consultation that will be organised through the new study.

The next step will be for Sidmouth Town Council to arrange a meeting between members of the reference group and Jillings Heynes to discuss the scope of the work that the consultants will carry out.

Council chairman Councillor Jeff Turner said: “It will be great to get this scoping exercise underway and completed.

“We anticipate that we will be able to report back on the findings in the summer.”