Seaton Regeneration Area Plan :: Design and Access Principles

Involvement

Stakeholder Participation

Seaton Regeneration Area – Development Brief

3.1 Individuals, organisations and local businesses were invited to comment on the Regeneration Area brief during a public consultation period which ran for six weeks during May and June 2004. The Development Brief for the site was subsequently finalised and adopted by East Devon District Council in 2006.

Public Exhibition

3.2 A two day public exhibition was held on the 6th and 7th of July in Seaton where the local community were invited to express their thoughts and comments on the design proposals and make suggestions as to how the scheme could be improved. The consultation exercise provided an opportunity to seek the views of the community that would live, work and shop within the area.

3.3 Over 450 people attended the public exhibition and in summary, key issues were as follows:

• Support for the general principles and layout
  
• Support for the new public square
  
• Support for the new retail that would provide competition
  
• Support for the disposition of land
  
• Concern over the loss of the Youth Club and Play area
  
• Concern over traffic generation
  
• Concern over the loss of the Lyme Bay Holiday Village
  
• Concern of the loss of the Children’s Play area and existing parking

The main concerns from the general public following the exhibition were relating to the loss of the Lyme Bay Holiday Village. It should be noted that following extensive previous public consultation the entire Regeneration Area was allocated in the Local Plan and subsequent Development Brief for comprehensive redevelopment. Additionally, the current owner anticipates closure due to the lack of profitability in the near future. Therefore the scheme cannot respond positively to those who advocate the retention of the Holiday Village.

 

3.4 Overall, there was a mixed response relating to the original design and certain issues were raised which led to revisions of the design proposals for the site including:

1. The reinstatement of the Children Play area in the north west of the site;

2. Changing the proposed Employment uses to Residential along The Underfleet;

3. A revision of the size and layout of the buildings around the public square; (See plan opposite)

 

3.5 Other community benefits include proposals for the following:

• Improved shopping facilities;
  
• Hotel/restaurant overlooking the River Axe;
  
• Riverside walkway;
  
• Extended foot/cycle path network;
  
• Provision of a SUSTRANS terminus and new Community Facility (added onto the Visitor Centre);
  
• Provision of a new and improved tourist attraction around a new public square; and
  
• Contribution towards the new Seaton Wetlands Centre.
  

3.6 The project team’s consultation included liaison with the Environment Agency, East Devon District Council and the Local Highway Authority. A full Statement of Community Involvement has been prepared by Signet Planning and supports this application.