Sidmouth Indian takeaway plans: EDDC consultation blip

AN error by East Devon District Council has led to its planners extending the consultation period for Indian takeaway plans in Temple Street. Although 26 notification letters were sent to advise neighbours adjoining the site of the plans, no letters were

AN error by East Devon District Council has led to its planners extending the consultation period for Indian takeaway plans in Temple Street.

Although 26 notification letters were sent to advise neighbours adjoining the site of the plans, no letters were sent to the residents of Temple Gardens, a sheltered housing complex, which shares a party wall with the site.

Linda Normington, manager of Temple Gardens, said: "I only found out about the plans through pure luck when I was talking to a neighbour who did receive a letter. I couldn't even see any planning notification on the actual site."

The original consultation period was due to end today but has now been extended until August 5.

Linda added: "If I had not found out by accident we would have been too late to send our comments to the district council."

An EDDC spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, the fact that the rear garden of the site shares a short boundary with Temple Gardens appears to have been overlooked.

"Now that the matter has been brought to our attention residents of Temple Gardens will also be notified by letter and the consultation period extended to allow them time to comment."

Temple Gardens, which is managed by the Sanctuary Housing company, comprises of 30 sheltered or retirement flats.

Linda's main concern about the takeaway plans is the lack of parking on Temple Street and she fears people visiting the site may use Temple Gardens car park instead.

She added: "There are a lot of elderly people here who could get really nervous at noise outside, especially in the dark. We have enough problems with the car park as it is.