FEATHERS will fly in Sidmouth next week if district planners follow their officers' recommendation to approve the use of The Dove as an amusement centre. An application by George Symonds to change the use of the ground floor of the former pub in Dove Lane

FEATHERS will fly in Sidmouth next week if district planners follow their officers' recommendation to approve the use of The Dove as an amusement centre.An application by George Symonds to change the use of the ground floor of the former pub in Dove Lane, will be discussed at Tuesday's meeting of East Devon District Council's development control committee.The council has received 67 letters of objection, prompting Councillor Chris Gibbings, whose ward it is in, to request discussion take place at committee and "not decided behind closed doors."He said: "This application has raised more objections to me as a councillor than any other."Residents have given a number of reasons for refusing the application, including: "Amusement arcades are not in keeping with the calibre of the town", "will result in a loss of the town's charm", "a deterrent for visitors", "detrimental to a conservation area" and "does not promote the right type of tourism for Sidmouth". Sidmouth Town Council also wants the plan refused, listing nine points of objection, including: "create a threat to Sidmouth's economic environment" there was no proven need for such a centre, it would have "a major impact on the vitality and viability of the conservation area" and it would cause a nuisance having smokers outside on the narrow paths close to food outlets.In recommending approval, officers say a sound insulation scheme should be implemented prior to using the centre, recorded or broadcast noise must not be audible from outside, and no games "of a sessional character" will be played.They recommend opening times as between 9am and 10pm Mondays to Saturdays and 9am to 6pm Sundays and bank holidays.a