Hello,
For our second newsletter, the Interim CEOs at EDDC wanted to give an update on the council's plan to improve engagement with Town and Parish councils in the district.
The Executive Leadership Team at the council have agreed that the following steps are taken:-
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Advice to be taken from Devon Association of Local Councils (DALC) and the Association of Local Council Clerks (ALCC) on how EDDC can improve engagement with Town and Parish Councils in the district and the approach that should be taken.
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Subject to above, EDDC plan to carry out a workshop with Town and Parish Councils in April 2024 to update them on the work EDDC is planning to carry out and to use this opportunity to start the process of engagement with Towns and Parishes.
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A survey to be conducted of Town and Parish Councils between May and July 2024.
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The Improvement Plan to be presented to EDDC Members in October 2024.
Scroll down for more news and updates from across East Devon.
If there is anything that you would like us to share in a future newsletter, please get in contact with the Communications team.
Communications and Democratic Services teams
 News and updates
Endangered Seaton Hospital wing saved after campaign
 A hospital wing at Seaton, which was at risk of closure, has been awarded special protections, following a community campaign to save its future.
The facility at Seaton Community Hospital has now been given ‘Asset of Community Value’ status by East Devon District Council (EDDC).
Campaigners, as well as EDDC's leader, are celebrating the new protections for the wing, which was built using community-raised money.
Now, if the site is ever listed for sale or removal, local residents can enact the ‘Community Right to Bid’ – pausing the selling process for six months to give the community chance to source alternative ways to repurpose the building.
Campaigners have been fighting plans to turn the wing over, from NHS Devon to NHS Property Services. If the transfer was to take place there could be a real risk that the space could be demolished or sold off.
Councillor Paul Arnott, EDDC’s Leader, said:
“The Seaton Hospital League of Friends is to be congratulated for submitting such a compelling case for the site to be listed.
“They worked diligently to present a strong case to officers and it is excellent news that our council has been able to agree that the hospital should be added to our ‘Community Assets Register’.
“I am proud of both the council and the campaign committee involved who worked with professionalism throughout.”
Exmouth residents invited to drop-in event about Beach Management Plan (BMP) Update
 Come along to the first drop-in event about the Exmouth BMP Update at Exmouth Town Hall’s Council Chamber between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Thursday, 15 February.
Attendees will be encouraged to share their thoughts in an online form, with this feedback helping to update the BMP. A 12-week public consultation on the Exmouth BMP will be held later this year.
To find out more and sign up for updates about this project...
Plans for new toilets, near Exmouth seafront, approved
 Plans to replace old public toilets at Foxholes Car Park, at Exmouth's Queens Drive, have been given the green light.
East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) Planning Committee, on 30 January 2024, approved the EDDC proposals, with conditions, to demolish the existing block and replace it with a new modern toilet building.
The current site, home to an aged toilet block near Exmouth seafront, will undergo a significant upgrade with an adult changing places facility (using Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities funding) as well as additional amenities including an external showers, bike rack, and public realm improvements.
Campaign to waive council tax for care leavers heralded a success
 Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council's portfolio holder for Finance and Assets, said:
“ East Devon District Council is committed to helping those with the most pressing and challenging financial challenges in our communities and therefore, the decision to support the exemption for care leavers was one that colleagues and I were happy to approve. I sincerely hope that this policy goes some way towards providing a better future for those persons leaving the care service, providing them with financial security, independence and peace-of-mind”
Improvements planned for Sidmouth's Knowle gardens
 Sidmouth Town Council has taken over the management and conservation of the Knowle Parkland and plans to work to boost biodiversity, as well as adding paths and trails for visitors to enjoy.
Between February 2019 and December 2023, Devon County Council undertook an innovative project that, in the event of extreme rainfall, will temporarily store water in an underground storage tank. This scheme reduces the risk of flooding to over 100 Sidmouth homes, helping both to minimise residents' and businesses' vulnerability to extreme weather and improves resilience to climate change. The landscaped amphitheatre that was constructed over the tank can be used for public performances including theatre and music events.
East Devon District Council wish Sidmouth's Town Council and the community the very best in further enhancing this parkland.
 Upcoming council meetings
 Over the next week the following East Devon District Council meetings are taking place.
6 February - 6pm - Licensing and Enforcement Sub Committee
Any public meetings will be streamed live to the Council’s YouTube channel, and in the event of difficulties these will be streamed on our Facebook page instead.
Newsletters
Are you interested in being the next Police and Crime Commissioner?
 A briefing will take place on Thursday, 8 February at 5:30pm where you can find out more about the role, who is eligible to put themselves forward for election and how.
You can join the event either in person at Ballard House, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ or attend online. If you would like to attend, register now by emailing PARO@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 398073.
Next edition
We plan to send out our next Town and Parish Council newsletter on Monday, 12 February.
To contact the Communications or Democratic Services teams, email communications@eastdevon.gov.uk or democraticservices@eastdevon.gov.uk
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