east devon

Around 800 businesses across East Devon are set to benefit from a scheme that will give them rate relief of up to £1,000 for the next two years. The scheme, adopted by East Devon District Council, is designed to give local retail businesses of a rateable value of less than £50,000 a chance to compete on a more level playing field with internet retailers. Businesses to benefit include shops, post offices, restaurants, cafes, pubs and garden centres. Councillor David Cox, portfolio holder for finance, said: “A £1,000 discount will make a huge difference to small businesses and local traders...

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has launched the NHS111 service across the whole of Devon (Monday 10 March).

The service was initially launched in part of the county in September last year, but now the remaining areas will also switch to 111.

NHS 111 has already replaced the previous NHS Direct and from today it replaces GP out-of-hours telephone numbers in throughout the remainder of the county (Mid Devon and North Devon has already switched).

GP practices have changed their answer phone messages and websites to direct patients to call...

Local people must say ‘Yes to Homes’ to repair the South West housing market according to a report by the National Housing Federation (NHF). The report by the NHF, an industry body which represents the providers of affordable housing in the UK, claims that a shortage of affordable homes resulting in rising house prices means that the South West housing market is now at ‘breaking point’. The NHF now ask that people lobby their local councillors to say ‘Yes to Homes’ as the South West’s new build rate is failing to keep up with demand in the region with less than two thirds (62%) of the new...

Sidmouth's Beach Management Plan project team are holding a drop-in session at Sidmouth Sailing club next Thursday, 6 March, from 3pm to 7pm.

The public are invited to drop in at any time between 3pm and 6.30pm to learn more about the initiative, to give their views and provide local knowledge and information so the project team is properly informed.

The aims of the EDDC-sponsored project are to make sure Sidmouth's sea defences are performing as expected and to consider what needs to be done to reduce the rate of erosion at East Beach.

Before the project team can...

East Devon District Council has successfully defended its decision to refuse planning permission for a pig unit comprising two buildings, slurry store, attenuation pond and access track at Collyhead Farm, Venn Ottery.

In a decision announced today (Monday 24 February), Planning Inspector Pete Drew concludes that the proposed development “would harm the character and appearance of this designated landscape”.

The Council refused Mr Chris Down’s application (revision of 10/1954/MFUL) in September 2012.

Commenting on the outcome of an appeal by Mr Down, the Chairman of...

East Devon District Council says nature lovers, bird watchers and anyone looking for a free fun day out in the fresh air at a beautiful location should flock to the Axe Estuary Wetlands on Saturday 22 February for Winter Wildlife on the Wetlands, between 8am and 3pm.

The day will start, subject to suitable conditions, with a demonstration by the Axe Estuary Ringing Group - a fantastic chance to see birds up close.

There will be Guides in the Hides all day – experienced birdwatchers who will help you polish up on your bird identification skills, whatever your level of...

Repair and clear-up work after damage from the latest storms is expected to take at least six weeks according to East Devon District Council.

Collapsing beach huts, damaged seafronts and a washed away ice cream parlour have all been handled by Council staff in the recent work to clear the damage left by weeks of severe weather conditions.

However, with more strong gales and heavy rain expected to hit the county late tonight and throughout the day tomorrow bringing the risk of further damage, the clear-up work may take even longer than expected.

The Met Office’s...

East Devon District Council is considering relocating its headquarters to Skypark.

The decision, taken by cabinet on 5 February, will now be put forward as the preferred location to full council on 26 February. If approved, officers will be asked to carry out further research into the viability of the move. Marketing of Knowle would start promptly.

This is an important step forward and a further report would then be brought back to cabinet and full council before a final decision is made in the summer.

Back in November cabinet shortlisted four out of 15 possible...

Closure-threatened Musbury Primary School has been given a new lease of life.

The school is to federate with Sidmouth Primary School whose executive head, Paul Walker, has been helping to run Musbury for the past term.

The future of the school has been in doubt since pupil numbers dropped to single figures.

The previous head left the school six months ago and it began a management partnership with Sidmouth.

Now that will be formalised in the new Two Valleys Federation which will come into operation after half-term.

Pupil numbers have already started...

The newly-formed East Devon Countryside Volunteers (EDCV) are having a positive impact on their local environment AND improving conditions for wildlife and nature lovers into the bargain!

The EDCV was established in September last year to assist with the practical management of East Devon District Council’s nature reserves. Working at a range of locations throughout the district, the group is already making a great difference.

Under the guidance of Nature Reserves Ranger Nathan Robinson and Nature Conservation Officer Steve Edmonds, volunteers have been working hard to...