Still time to have say on Port Royal redevelopment in Sidmouth

Members of the public are being asked to leave constructive and helpful feedback following two recent consultation events held at Kennaway House in Sidmouth.

The events gave residents and businesses the opportunity to look at initial findings and explore ideas put forward by East Devon District Council (EDDC) and Sidmouth Town Council.

Residents now have until July 31 to have their say if they have not already done so.

It all comes as part of a scoping study, commissioned by the two authorities, which will be used to determine the feasibility of regenerating Port Royal.

At the events, nearly 100 people shared their views, which will now be taken onboard in a final report on the area.

At this stage no detailed lay out designs, mix of uses or buildings have been drawn up.

The next steps will involve looking into an exercise to help make a more detailed plan and design for the area, preceded by reports to both councils who will then discuss how the project can go forward.

The Port Royal reference group, chaired by Sidmouth Town Councillor Jeff Turner, recently met to discuss progress on the project and to receive an update from the project’s consultant Ed Heynes.

Key points raised by residents included the importance of car parks but also how they were dead space, traffic, the potential height of buildings and whether it was necessary for the lifeboat to be in the location it is.

The importance of improved access to the sea for the lifeboat, clubs and water users and comments about The Esplanade being pedestrianised were also made.

Cllr Turner said: “People seem to welcome this early engagement and are pleased that we have not gone ahead and presented the project as a fait accompli.

“I would like to thank everyone who has responded so far.”

Leave your feedback online by visiting eastdevon.gov.uk/port-royal-consultation and for a paper feedback form email jbuckley@eastdevon.gov.uk or call 01395 517569.