The district council has conformed it is pressing ahead with relocation of its headquarters from Knowle to Honiton.

A ‘Relocation Working Party’ under the guidance of Deputy Chief Executive Richard Cohen was set up in the summer, and at the inaugural meeting last month members backed the proposals.

Last week the cabinet at East Devon District Council (EDDC) reinforced their backing for the proposal giving officers a green light to begin detailed planning.

A spokesman for EDDC said staff are being kept fully informed about progress with the proposed move, with a new purpose-built building on council-owned land at its former waste disposal depot at Heathpark seen as the most likely destination.

The council said it is keen to ensure the project is achieved without a burden on the public purse, and delivers more efficient, cost-effective services in the future.

But the council admit this can only be achieved by selling the Knowle site for the right amount

EDDC’s headquarters has been located at Sidmouth since 1974 and the aim of the move is to provide a better service for residents in a more central location.

Richard Cohen said: “The aim is to provide a more economical and accessible base than our current offices at Knowle, which are mostly housed in an old and rambling building.

“We anticipate that the new building will cost less in both energy consumption and maintenance.”

Members of the working party will be visiting successful examples of relocations in the New Year as the council confirmed it is looking at moving within the next three years.

Mr Cohen added: “As part of the move, some staff could also work from Exmouth and the council is keen to identify additional meeting spaces in towns across the district.”