Plans to redevelop Port Royal that incorporate Sidmouth Lifeboat, the sailing club and up to 30 flats could stand up to five storeys high.
Major landowners Sidmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council claim their consultation scoping study for eastern town is ‘massive’ opportunity that sets out the possibilities and constraints.
These are all on display at consultation events at Kennaway House until 8pm today (Monday) and from 3pm until 8pm tomorrow.
The boards say the sailing club and lifeboat need to retain their seafront location for operational reasons – but there are no obvious technical reasons why their premises, plus the Drill Hall and toilets could not be demolished and have an alternative provided.
The above could be incorporated into a single building of between three and five storeys, and space could also be created for a first-floor café and restaurant.
Up to 30 residential apartments of various sizes could occupy the floors above.
Proposals also include pedestrianising the Esplanade from its junction with Ham Lane towards Salcombe Hill to create a ‘vibrant, active frontage’ to the new development, and a new access road for some water users.
The whole scoping study site was identified as flood zone two in the Local Plan but the Environment Agency has since upgraded it to flood zone 3a. The only higher level is 3b.
The Ham and East Street car parks are also included in the scoping study area – but any development would need to be carefully considered in such a high-risk flood zone.
There will be further consultation on inclusion of a fish shop, either within the new building or elsewhere in the scoping study area.
Scoping study reference group chairman Councillor Jeff Turner “We want to retain facilities like the lifeboat and the sailing club, and we want more commercial stuff like a new restaurant – but in order to pay for it there’s got to be some residential development.
“We certainly don’t want to go on to the Ham green. I’m very keen on that.
“I would very much like people to come along to see what the issues and opportunities are, and at the same time visit the Neighbourhood Plan desk if anyone hasn’t already completed the second household questionnaire.
“We want as many people to visit as possible.”
The consultants will use the feedback to produce a set of recommendations that balance community expectations with what is achievable in the area.
These recommendations are expected to be considered by Sidmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council later in the year.
Anyone unable to go to the events can look at the proposals at http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/2151165/sidmouth-consulation-boards.pdf and complete the questionnaire at https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=149847251509.
The deadline for all responses is 5pm on Monday, July 31.
For a copy of the consultation on paper or in any other format email jbuckley@eastdevon.gov.uk or call 01395 517569.
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