Breaking News - Exmouth Strand Pavilion application withdrawn

Devon County Council Press Release - Mon 6th Feb 2012

The latest plans for a pavilion building at Exmouth Strand have been withdrawn. 

A revised planning application for the £400,000 structure was due to go before East Devon District Council's planning committee tomorrow (Tuesday 7 February), but Devon County Council is taking a further look at how best a scheme can be delivered.

The recent £2 million regeneration of the area has already supported local business growth with new cafes and shops opening up. It has also been well used for a number of community events including the Exmouth Festival, Remembrance Service and Christmas Cracker. However, Councillors have decided to put the final element of the scheme on hold having taken on board local concerns.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "We have listened to local opinion and have decided to take a breath, and reflect on the current scheme. The purpose of this enhancement has been to help kickstart Exmouth's economy, but some of the local community feel the Strand does not need a building to complete the regeneration scheme."

Councillor Eileen Wragg, local County Councillor for Exmouth Littleham and Town, said: "It has become apparent for some time that there have been growing public concerns about the proposed building and these have been raised with senior councillors and officers at Devon County Council. The decision not to proceed is a clear indication that Devon County Council does take notice of public opinion and that is my experience in the seven years that I have served at County level. It is to be hoped that requests for a bus shelter at the site will still be considered at some point."

Councillor Paul Diviani, Leader of East Devon District Council, said: "As Local Planning Authority, EDDC respects the decision of the applicant – Devon County Council – to withdraw this application. The regeneration of Exmouth through the various vital projects is of paramount importance to the the town's community of 36,000 and its economy – of which the Strand is a key component. 

"The newly refurbished public realm is proving extremely popular and this demonstrates the success of the partnership in delivering projects from which residents, visitors and local businesses are all benefitting. We shall continue to collaborate with our colleagues at County and the Town Council to ensure the Strand realises its full potential".

The withdrawn application for a multi-functional building had been designed to serve as a bus shelter, a performance backdrop and a retail sales area. 

The authorities will now take the opportunity to consider the options for completion of the Strand enhancement.