The parkland at Knowle not designated for development will be transferred to Sidmouth Town Council for just £1 – but how much district chiefs will pay for its upkeep after they relocate is yet to be decided.
Restrictive covenants will be placed on the land handed to Sidmouth to ensure it remains as public open space, or as a parking facility.
East Devon District Council has also agreed to pay a one-off ‘commuted sum’ for its maintenance, but this is subject to negotiations.
The only ‘ball park figure’ suggested so far is £25,000.
Deputy chief executive Richard Cohen told EDDC’s cabinet last Wednesday that developer Pegasus Life Ltd is currently conducting traffic reports and ground surveys on the site.
The firm is buying the existing council offices, which it plans to demolish, and 14 per cent of Knowle’s parkland – a conditional offer worth up to £8million that is dependent on it securing planning permission. It hopes to create retirement housing for 100 people and a bar/restaurant that would be open to the public.
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