Sidmouth Lifeboat, the sailing club and other major leaseholders are joining discussions on the future of Port Royal and whether its renewal is achievable.

Landowners Sidmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council (EDDC) have commissioned Jillings Heynes to conduct a study into the viability of the area.

As part of this, an EDDC officer has visited the Esplanade lifeboat station to learn more about how the crews work and the logistics of manoeuvring the boats and trailers. Sidmouth Sailing Club will soon have a similar visit.

In the near future, residents will have the chance to express their views, thoughts and ideas for Port Royal directly to the consultants.

Once all the data has been gathered and considered, Jillings Heynes will look at producing a set of recommendations – that balance community expectations with what is achievable in the area – for consideration by the two councils.

Councillor Jeff Turner, who chairs Sidmouth Town Council and the Port Royal reference group, said: “Talking with and listening to the current leaseholders and allowing them to have a dialogue with the consultants is a vital part of the scoping study process.

“It will assist the consultants and the councils in understanding what is achievable on the important Port Royal site.”

The scoping study is the very first step in exploring renewal options for the area and it will provide expert opinion on the opportunities and constraints of any development.

It will also identify the boundaries, ownership and the needs of existing occupants.