Daniel Clarke writes in the latest Devon Live, showing the considerable impact of several large-scale developments – many of which are very controversial, all of which will have a lasting effect on the character of the town:
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Eight big changes could change Sidmouth forever
The Local Democracy Reporting Service takes a look at eight existing developments and proposals that are taking place in the Sid Valley that will change the shape of how the area looks.
Sidmouth seafront
There is a multi-million beach management plan to protect Sidmouth’s cliffs from collapsing.
Drill Hall
The Sid Valley Neighbourhood Plan says that any development for the Eastern End of Sidmouth around the Port Royal should reinvigorate the town and become a culturally vibrant centre for the community and visitors.
Plans have already been submitted by Rockfish to open a restaurant in the Drill Hall building, and East Devon District Council’s cabinet unanimously decided to select Rockfish’s bid as their preferred bid for the redevelopment and renewal of Drill Hall.
The Knowle
East Devon District Council’s former headquarters at Knowle in Sidmouth is set to be converted into a 113-apartment assisted living community.
Alma Bridge
Work is progressing well on the scheme to develop a new footbridge to replace Alma Bridge in Sidmouth.
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Sidford Business Park
In August, planning inspector Luke Fleming allowed an appeal for an outline scheme would see 8,445sqm of employment space built on the outskirts of Sidford.
Applicants Tim and Mike Ford said their scheme would create 250 new jobs and it will see 8,445sqm of employment space built on the outskirts of the village on agricultural land east of Two Bridges Road.
A further application for the detail of the scheme will need to be submitted and approved by East Devon District Council.
Green Close
Construction work has begun on converting a former care home into retirement apartments.
Churchill Retirement Living’s plans to revamp the closed 23-bed former Green Close care home in Drakes Avenue in Sidford were finally given the go-ahead by East Devon District Council planners in December last year, after twice rejecting similar schemes.
Sidmouth College
Work has begun on the multi-million pound redevelopment of Sidmouth College.
The scheme to improve the buildings students are taught in would see the existing 1960s main building demolished and replacement with a new, three-storey building, on the edge of the existing car park. A grassed quad area would then replace the old building.
Lidl relocation?
Last week, global supermarket chain Lidl published a list of 20 locations in Devon where it either wishes to open or relocate its store.
Their requirements are listed as being prominent sites in town, district, edge of centre or out of town locations and ideally with main road frontage with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow.