New bars and restaurants and a multi-function facility were among suggestions supported in recent consultation about Port Royal.

Sidmouth Herald: The illustrations on this board are only intended to give an impression of the scale and size of a building on the site and how it might appear in relation to other buildings nearby. It is not a proposal for how the building will lookThe illustrations on this board are only intended to give an impression of the scale and size of a building on the site and how it might appear in relation to other buildings nearby. It is not a proposal for how the building will look (Image: Archant)

The Port Royal reference group met last Thursday to discuss the scoping study commissioned by Sidmouth town and East Devon district councils.

The consultation analysed nearly 250 responses received during a five-week consultation period during the summer, as well as a Sid Valley Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group survey completed by 1,800 households.

In the findings, there was concern for the height of buildings and how they would relate to the surrounding area.

Others feared a loss of car parking spaces, while some respondants called for assurances that Sidmouth Lifeboat Station was an integral part of future plans.

Sidmouth Herald: The Sidmouth Lifeboat station, sailing club and Drill Hall at Port RoyalThe Sidmouth Lifeboat station, sailing club and Drill Hall at Port Royal (Image: Archant)

The responses also supported the idea of more pedestrian areas and a multi-function centre to host water activities and the sailing club.

An EDDC spokeswoman said: “It is clear through both consultations that people see that Port Royal has a special identity around fishing, water activities and maritime heritage.”

The findings will go before the reference group in October, and be considered by the town and district council in November.

The reference group is made up of representatives of Sidmouth town organisations including the Sid Valley Neighbourhood Plan Group; the Sid Vale Association; Sidmouth Vision Group; and the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, along with Sidmouth Town, East Devon District and Devon County Councils.

Cllr David Barratt, Sidmouth town and district councillor, who chaired Thursday’s meeting, said: “On behalf of both councils, I would like to say how grateful we are to all those who took part in the consultation and gave us their views.

“We are listening to what people say and hear you loud and clear.

“We also understand how significant Port Royal is to the town and how important it is that we get this right. We look forward to receiving the scoping study report.”

What do you think? Join the debate on our Opinion pages.