Changes in government guidance on what councils can ask small developers to pay for community benefits are set to hit the provision of open spaces, sports and play areas and even education upgrades in East Devon.
Until recently, anyone who wanted to build an estate of new homes was required to offset the impact the new households would have on existing amenities by making a ‘Section 106’ financial contribution towards improvements.
But changes announced by the Government at the beginning of December mean that East Devon District Council and other affected planning...
Palm Oil is washing up on some beaches along East Devon’s Jurassic Coastline. Although it is not normally harmful to humans or birds, it can prove toxic to dogs if they eat it.
East Devon District Council is warning dog owners to beware of their pets eating the substance. And the council is offering to pick up any clumps of congealed palm oil that are reported to it.
If you find this substance on the beach, please contact East Devon District Council to arrange removal. You can call 01395 516551 or tell us via the Report Litter form on the East Devon App.
An official opening ceremony has been held to mark the completion of the final stretch of the Exe Estuary Trail.
The final £1.6 million section of the trail, which links Turf Lock and Powderham, has seen the development of a three-metre wide off-road path and newly constructed bridge, near the existing level crossing at Powderham.
It means that the 16 mile route around the Estuary, can now be enjoyed in its entirety for the first time. The predominantly off-road network, designed by Devon County Council, now links Exmouth to Dawlish Warren, via Topsham and Exeter, and forms...
Ottery St Mary’s Tina Chauhan-Challis has had a great start with her new venture, Samosa Lady Deli and Dining after locals gave the thumbs up to her cooking.
Tina, who grew up in York and moved to the town in 2011, took on an empty shop on the corner of Broad Street in September. Since then, customers have been flocking to the store to stock up on ingredients and enjoy chai tea and Tina’s feted samosas.
Tina’s recipes are based around traditional regional Indian flavours as taught to her by her grandparents and parents, and she is now taking her business a step further by...
East Devon District Council is once again supporting local shops over Christmas with a range of special car park deals for motorists, including a chance to win a ‘Golden Ticket’ offering three months’ free parking for up to 24 lucky motorists.
This year’s main concession will again offer a special price of all-day parking for £2 (after 10am) in all East Devon’s car parks during December. The offer includes all inland car parks and those in resorts on the Jurassic Coast.
The 10am start time avoids car parks becoming blocked by commuters and (in the case of Honiton, Axminster...
Crowds of Ottery locals enjoyed a themed feast at the Rusty Pig in Yonder Street during this year’s Tar Barrels, helping to raise funds for the Carnival Committee.
£5 from every ticket sold for the Guy Fawkes and Gunpowder event went into the fundraising pot. This was added to the proceeds from the Rusty Pig’s catering van ‒ which sold around 150 free range sausages on the night ‒ amounting to an impressive £500.
“I’ve run the outside catering before, but this is the first year that I have opened the restaurant,” explained Robin Rea, owner of the ethical restaurant....
The East Devon District Council Countryside team are offering an exciting opportunity to explore the heathland after dark, at Fire Beacon Hill near Sidbury between 6pm and 8pm on Friday 14 November.
Search for owls, look at the stars, listen to the sounds in the darkness and find out how good your night time vision really is!
Suggested donation £3.
Suitable for adults and children of 8 years upwards. Booking is essential as places are limited, call 01395 517557 or email Countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk
This year, the popular Santa's Magical Kingdom at Otter Nurseries is opening on November 8th.
Book tickets for this date to enjoy lots of extra family fun. Characters from Cinderella will be there to greet the children, and donkeys from The Donkey Sanctuary are making an appearance. There's free face painting and lots to see.
Inside the grotto, children will meet singing reindeer Rudy and Judy, and enjoy interactive fun with the elves. There are exciting songs to sing-a-long to, Iceberg adventures, Mrs Christmas's kitchen and woodland walks.
Ethical restaurant Rusty Pig is holding a special themed event during Tar Barrels in Ottery St Mary on November 5 to raise funds for the town’s Carnival Committee.
£5 from every booking will go directly to the committee to help ensure that the town’s annual carnival continues.
Rusty Pig Chef, Robin Rea explained: “I thought this would be a great way for people to have an even more entertaining experience of Tar Barrels, whilst at the same time raising a good sum for the carnival.
“Ticket holders will be able to dip in and out of the restaurant in Yonder Street...
East Devon District Council has been working hard with Sidmouth Town Council to provide residents with the free-to-use outdoor gym that they wanted.
There will be a grand opening event on Sunday 2 November from 10.30am to 11.30am. There will be free lessons from a personal trainer on how to get the best out of the new equipment, as well as free circus skills on offer!
Having an outdoor gym in Sidmouth was proposed and chosen by the local community. Last year Sidmouth Town Council and EDDC asked community groups and others to put forward their ideas as to how £250,000 of...
