Exmouth Town Council Newsletter December  2009

Rolle College Site
Following the Extraordinary Council meeting held on 9th November there has been a great deal of work carried out by Exmouth Town Council and Community leaders with regard to the Rolle College Site. Access was obtained to the Rolle College on 8th December and a group of us walked around the whole site. The overwhelming feeling was one of sorrow that such a complete educational campus could be potentially lost to private development.

 

The site contains three theatres with room in the largest for an audience of over 200, a large modern lecture theatre, gymnasium, library (now bereft of books) on two floors, three craft rooms including two pottery kilns, classrooms, refectory and offices. Yes – a complete site with the modern Owen building and sound brick built buildings which create a sense of place and learning which would be the envy of many large towns. From a design point of view it would be difficult to create an educational environment which is so fit for purpose and feels so right. It is hard to forgive the University of Plymouth for turning its back on Rolle.

In their second edition of ‘Enterprise’ their magazine, a rosy picture is painted. Page 4 is headed ‘Keeping Sustainability Centre Stage’. It says ‘We are proud to be ranked the UK’s best performing university for environmental credentials. In the annual Green League produced by People & Planet, the nation’s largest student group campaigning on the environment, we have outperformed 126 other universities since the league table was launched in 2007’.

Also it says ‘As the enterprise university, we recognize our wider obligations to society and our aim is to become an exemplar in sustainability, social responsibility and responsible business practice – engaging our wider community and continually monitoring, improving and sharing our
achievements’. Fine words indeed, but clearly a blind eye is being turned on Exmouth – where
are the obligations to society here?

The bare facts are that all funding has been removed and there is a need to find at least £6m to
purchase and refurbish at least half of the site. This is a big challenge, but the prize is to give Exmouth by 2011 facilities for education, training, library and Community activities, which are otherwise not in sight for the near future.

Our community approach is to create a clear vision for the site. Behind this is a business plan with the detailed cost already drawn up in its first edition. This will be developed and the initial figures will be worked on to make sure that they are as solid and accurate as they can be. When it is completed, early next year, this will be the document which allows us to make the hard decisions as to whether it will be possible to find a community led solution or not.

It appears from the Devon County Council ‘Devon Talk’ magazine circulated to households that a joint education/community solution fits in with County Policy under its Schools for the Future bid to Government, where new schools would have multi-uses. We intend to have further discussion with the County Council on this and to see whether part of that use could include new library facilities for the town.

Other complementary uses for the site could include starter business units, theatre, community hall, facilities for local groups and leisure - all managed by a company set up for the purpose to work alongside Exmouth Community College.

A programme of actions is already underway with good progress being maintained to date. It is likely that representations will be made at Government level from where many of the funding problems arise and the potential solutions reside.

One thing is sure. If the site is offered for redevelopment for housing the waste of this superb
resource will be something over which we will all feel a sense of failure and some shame.

Public Funding Budget Crises
Public funding is as many will know hitting the wall right now as a result of the Recession.
With budgets being set annually by Public Service organizations there is always a lag before the
real effects that have been felt in the private sector feed through to the public sector. The cold winds of reality are now affecting all public organizations as they face potential deficit budgets unless they make drastic changes. Local Authorities, Schools, National Health Trusts, Police, Fire – all are affected. The implications are that services which we have all taken for granted are likely to be affected in some form or another.

Possibly reduced floral displays, maintenance
being reduced on the things we hold dear such as the illuminations on the sea front, less litter collections, reduced cleaning of public toilets. All those services that Local Authorities are not required to provide by law are under consideration for removal, reduction or change. Voluntary Organisations are also feeling the cold winds blowing with grants from public bodies being
scrutinized and also under consideration for reduction or removal all together. Every organization I have contact with is wrestling with potential budget deficits and the reality of what recession actually means.
The public services have probably not been affecte

d so strongly during most of our lifetimes.
The reason is that income from all directions is reduced. Interest on investments is reduced as a
result of the crisis in the Financial Sector, reduced activity in the local economy is resulting in reduced car park and other income, Government Grant is not being increased in real terms, effectively a cut. The General Election will inevitably result in more drastic action being taken in the first year of a new administration.
Public Sector costs are at present set to be reduced by 25% over 5 years to help the Government
balance its books. These bald figures will impact on everyone’s lives and no amount of spin by the Government or in Glossy newsletters produced by Councils or Public Authorities will be able to hide these realities.

Local Government Review
East Devon District Council was successful in delaying the Local Government Review Process
by joining with East Anglian Local Districts to challenge the Boundary Committee’s recommendations. The appeal however overturned the court judgment which upheld some of the Districts case, leaving the way clear for the Boundary Committee to provide advice to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The recommendations which stand for consideration are threefold. A unitary County excluding Plymouth and Torbay, a Unitary Exeter, no change.

 

A consultation period now runs until 19th January when views can be expressed to DevonStructures@communities.gsi.gov.uk

or by post to

Unitary Structures Scheme,
Dept for Communities and Local Government, Xone 3/J1 Eland House, Bressenden Place,
London SW1E 5DU.

 

After that date there is time for the Secretary of State to create the necessary orders to implement one of the review options before the election so it is still possible that the District Councils in this area could be abolished.

Community Organisations Liaison Panel
On a brighter note there has been some success in people working together within Exmouth over
the year. The Council has created a panel made up of all the Local Organisations which have been working on various visions for Exmouth. Exmouth Residents Association, Exmouth Community Association, Exmouth Community Forum, Exmouth Civic Society, Transition
Towns Exmouth are all involved. This has been working well and has brought committed people together to raise the Exmouth voice in a much more joined up and powerful way. The Panel is working on a Community Plan for Exmouth which will help to inform the statutory processes of planning which the Principal Authorities have to work towards including the Local Development Framework. Whilst there has been some criticism from one quarter that this has been set up to
stifle the Community Organisations this is far from the case. Some excellent skills are emerging from within the Community with individuals prepared to give of their time and expertise.

 

The plan will be the subject of public consultation as it develops. Whilst there are statutory plans through the District Council Local Development Framework which will replace the Local Plan and will introduce controversial plans for affordable housing developments and further business sites, the Community Plan will provide the vision as to how we see the character and nature of our community and will be part of the processes which will shape the Exmouth of the future.

Exmouth Christmas Cracker
Thanks to Exmouth Town Management and Exmouth Festival for once again presenting Exmouth with the Christmas Cracker on 4th December. The partnership with Christian Aid South West ensured a weekend of events and will contribute to around £3,000 being raised for Christian Aid this Christmas from Exmouth alone. The Christmas lights and Christmas Cracker
creates a great social event in the town, an opportunity for local organizations to present
themselves to the wider public and to promote Exmouth Town Centre as a great place for
Christmas shopping. Our message to retail businesses in the town is to start thinking about Christmas 2010 and to enter into the spirit the Victorian theme within your shop to reflect the activities put on outside. It would be great to have more people dressing up in Victorian costumes to build the atmosphere even more in future years.

Forth Coming Events

Christmas Day Swim – This takes place at 11.00am on the beach below the clock tower when half of Exmouth traditional turns out to build an appetite pre Christmas Dinner.

Boxing Day Fun Run -This will take place from the Clock Tower to the Geoneedle and back at 11.00am with registration from 10.15pm at the Elizabeth Hall.

New Year’s Eve - Exmouth has become one of ‘THE’ places to celebrate on New Year’s Eve with fancy dress and fun to bring in the New Year. This year Exmouth Town Council, supported with sponsorship from The Bath House and The Pavilion, will be bringing in the New Year with fireworks at midnight opposite the The Bath House. A funfair will be in place on the
Elizabeth Hall Grounds over the New Year period.
Merry Christmas

The Mayor and Councillors of Exmouth wish you a happy Christmas and a Good New Year when we can all work together in finding solutions to the many challenges which face our community. One thing remains sure and that is the place where we live is amazing and special and we all have a responsibility for the good stewardship of where we live and for continuing to create the great sense of community which is one of Exmouth’s many special features.

Any comments or views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Exmouth Town Council. The newsletter is edited by the Town Clerk.

 

 

Newsletter September  2009

Exmouth’s Future

Much has been talked about Exmouth’s Future over the years with frustration at the slow pace of change often displayed and yet when ideas are put forward worries arise about what might be lost from the past. Communication between authorities can be difficult. Trust and suspicion can grow between communities and authorities, between groups and between individuals. Worries that people are in it for themselves or that power seeking is more important than action rumble on. Local newspapers publish as soon as they have information and this is often the first time people here about ideas.   Insecurity arises and before you know it the idea is going to happen.   Rarely is this the case as it takes a long time to achieve agreement on ideas let alone find the cash to put them into effect. Honest communication is therefore the key to gaining trust and understanding and to prevent sensationalism and panic taking hold.

In some cases the private sector is pretty independent and able to do what it wants if it has the resources available. In others local authorities own land and have more control which results in greater community involvement and consensus being sought. So what has all this to do with Exmouth? Here is a review of some of the things which have already happened or are currently being worked on:-

Lifeboat Station – The building is complete and will be operational soon subject to problems with the ramp structure being resolved. Local Authority involvement occurred as land owner – Devon County as the Highway Authority and East Devon District Council as the beach owner. To achieve a result the RNLI had to negotiate with both authorities for the land and had to obtain planning permissions for the site. The finance and responsibility for the design and appearance of the building rested with RNLI with some Planning input.     The Town Council was a planning consultee and gave its views at planning application stage.

The New Ten Pin Bowling Alley, Shops and Leisure Area – The District Council owned the old swimming pool site and was pressed by the Town Council for some time to find a use for it and to stop leaving it derelict behind the hideous blue boards which surrounded the site for so long. The Town Council was instrumental in the early process of encouraging the developer to look at providing a high quality contemporary building for the site. There was concern from the outset that the site would be used as another public house and it was felt at the time that a more imaginative scheme was needed to provide another string to the bow of Exmouth’s Seafront when it is not beach weather. The new building is set to be a stunning example of modern architecture and the finishes that can be seen growing on the site are of high quality.   The District Council planners worked hard with the developers to obtain what will be an iconic building for the town. There will be people who do not like it and are sorry that some views of the sea have been lost but it is important that the town gets behind the decisions which have been made and to make sure that the businesses are well supported in every way. Their success means a successful thriving town with employment opportunities and a town more able to sustain itself rather than be totally reliant on Exeter.

Carlton Slipway – The District Council has decided not to pursue further with Clinton Devon Estates the buying out of all the covenants along the seafront in one go.   Instead it will deal with potential development sites as they appear. The site beside Carlton Slipway is to be put out to tender and covenants bought out  in respect of that site only by any successful bidder.  Planning permission exists for the site but will become time expired if not pursued.    Whilst this provides an opportunity for supporting water sports in Exmouth this does not indicate that all the other green space along the seafront is under threat because there are no plans to develop other sites on the grass and flower beds between the road and the beach.

Mamhead Slipway

Planning permission exists for a café adjacent to Mamhead Slipway. The Board responsible for promoting the Exmouth Visitor Centre scheme is currently seeking to work with the site owners to provide a smaller version of the original visitor centre, with a café and pontoon for pleasure boats.  Money is available from Devon County Council in the sum of £500,000 which was allocated from the sale of Exeter Airport.  A bid has been put in for the ‘Seachange Grant scheme’ of £1m. If that is successful then a very worthwhile interpretation centre for the World Heritage Site and Estuary could be provided.    If unsuccessful with £1/2m it would still be possible to do something with some style on this site with the help of the owners.    One way or another this would be a good first step towards achieving better interpretation of our area and adding to the core offer which can be made to visitors and residents of the town making it worthwhile to visit all year round.

Elizabeth Hall Site

The District Council is currently reviewing options for the future of this site in order to maximise the benefits for the town. This may take some time, given the current state of the property market.

Town Centre Regeneration

Few would argue that something needs to be done to perk up Exmouth Town Centre.   With the number of visitors and shoppers in town it is already popular but lacks some of the essentials of a modern town centre.  The devil is in the detail though and different individuals and groups have different perceptions as to what is important.   ASM/ASDA did not manage to create a scheme that would meet everyone’s needs and a new approach has now been agreed to move things forward.    The District Council will be commissioning an analysis of the town centre area, including extensive public consultation and economic feasibility studies. The intended outcome is a master-plan and a vision for Exmouth which leads on to a comprehensive development brief and a clear delivery route that has consensus support and will attract inward investment.

The Strand Scheme

Exmouth is probably one of the last towns to be lucky enough to be receiving a significant capital injection from East Devon District Council and Devon County Council for a public space enhancement scheme.    After extensive consultation a scheme is now being put out to tender which will provide a Strand without constant traffic flow and a pleasant space for people to enjoy the town and café seating areas to rest.    The potential for using this space for entertainment, military parades and pure enjoyment of the area will be great.    Where the shelter currently is will be a quality mixed use building which has yet to be designed but could include a relocated Tourist Information Centre,  Performance Stage and bus shelter.   Work will be done with the existing take aways to make sure they raise their game as they will benefit from a much more attractive area designed to appeal to people of all ages.   

Extension of Liverton Business Park

This site provides the potential to relocate some of the uses close to the town such as the bus depot which would be better located on the edge of town.

Workload

All this amounts to a huge workload for Exmouth and a dynamic image for the town which it truly deserves.   The Town Council recognizes that it is important that people who live in the town have a say and that the Community Groups are involved in what is going on.   To this end it has formed a Community Organisation’s Liaison Panel where Town Councillors meet representatives from each of the Community Organisations – two representatives from each.   The groups are Exmouth Residents Association, Exmouth Citizens Forum, Exmouth Community Association, Transition Towns Exmouth and Exmouth Civic Society. 

Whilst there is still suspicion from some that the Council is doing this to tick boxes it is hoped that with good lines of communication trust will build.    Groups are only part of the public consultation study and the wider community has a role to play too and the Town Council is keen to make sure that methods of consultation to obtain views are broader based and more scientifically carried out.   

The shape of all future schemes will arise from developers, planners, businesses, the Chamber of Trade and Commerce, community groups, individuals, customers, car users, pedestrians etc.   The needs are many and diverse and all schemes will contain compromises to obtain the best fit for the town.   Good communication will, it is hoped, enable people to be heard but also provide them with the reasons for decisions so that they understand why things are happening.    Together we can achieve great things.

Rolle College Site

Exmouth Town Council made a last minute bid to delay a decision by Devon County Council’s Cabinet to NOT purchase the Rolle College site for educational purposes.   The Cabinet nevertheless decided not to purchase which is disappointing to all those who hoped to see a continued use of the site for education.  This leaves the way clear for the University of Plymouth to sell the site to the highest bidder  thus ending for ever a long history of education on this site in Exmouth with its economic and cultural effects on the town.    The crumb of comfort coming out of the debate is a pledge by Councillor Barker to improve library provision in Exmouth.   Let’s hope that within regeneration of the town it is possible to turn this from rhetoric into reality.

Exmouth is a Seriously Winning Town

Exmouth is capable of great things for sure.   Because it was the best Coastal Town in the National Britain in Bloom Competition last year it could not enter that competition this year.   However it was able to enter the South West Regional Competition and what a result – no flash in the pan this, just hard work and great multi-agency working:-

·        Littleham Silver Gilt – one step away from Gold now

·        Exmouth – Gold and clear winner of category and holds on to the St Bridget’s cup

·        Liverton Business Park – Wheatley Trophy winner for an Industrial area.

All well deserved and demonstrates when the Councils, private sector and volunteers work together Exmouth has the winning formula.   Next time you write a letter to the paper talking Exmouth down just think about what a great town you live in and that it is ‘Smiles’ better than

most other places.

World of Country Life – Our thoughts must be with a local business which has been caught up in the national press feeding frenzy related to E Coli and so called ‘Petting Farms’.   The BBC, ITV, Sky TV etc swarmed in to put the business in the national headlines making judgments before any conclusive tests have been published.   The sensational reporting that another business had had to be closed on account of EColi was wrong as The World of Country Life has a whole series of great attractions all of which are open and unaffected.   The damage this does to a business can only be imagined and this well established and strong local business needs our support as a community.   It’s worth a visit and amazing to see what is on our doorstep.   They say that no publicity is bad publicity and let us hope this to be the case.

Foreign Students

It is clear that Exmouth is becoming an important town for visits by young students from abroad, over here to experience our culture and the English Language.    This is important for Exmouth as it brings business into the town and promotes Exmouth on a much wider base.    It is important that we welcome these young people, treat them well and leave them with a great impression of our town.    Exmouth Town Council provides a civic welcome to foreign students when it can to let them know that they are welcome and to help create an experience for them that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.  They will return home knowing that Exmouth is a lovely and friendly town and that they will speak of us often

Forth Coming Events

Watch out for:-

·        Garth Gibson and John Nettleton memorial concert ‘Heaven’s a Bar’ on 2^nd October at the Pavilion – not to be missed;

·        Christmas Cracker weekend event in town on 4^th December;

·        New Year fireworks and more at midnight on the seafront;

Any comments or views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Exmouth Town Council.  The newsletter is edited by the Town Clerk.