 Photo of Bystock Pools by Kate Williams
In this week's newsletter, read about these stories and more:
Start on site for new affordable homes
 Left to right: Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council; Willy Rich, Chair of the Upper Coly Valley Community Land Trust; and Tom Woodman, Chief Executive of Teign Housing
Six new affordable homes are being built for local people in the villages of Northleigh, Southleigh, and Farway. They will be available to bid via Devon Home Choice a few weeks prior to completion. Residents will move in in early 2026.
The scheme has been made possible thanks to funding from Homes England, East Devon District Council and Teign Housing. Over the years, Upper Coly Valley Community Land Trust received grant funding to pay for the design and associated works to obtain planning permission, and the land was originally sold to Teign Housing by the local parish council.
Unveiling of new sculpture marks opening of Tithebarn Local Centre
 Left to right: Stuart O'Higgins - Devon Contractors, Councillor Steve Taylor - Broadclyst Parish Council, Sarah Elghady - East Devon District Council (EDDC) Cultural Producer, Councillor Olly Davey - EDDC, Councillor Nick Hookway - EDDC, Hannah Doulin - Eagle One, Jon Symons - Eagle One, Paul Osborne - EDDC Growth, Development and Prosperity, David Millar - Eagle One, Martin Staniforth - Sculptor, Chris Hariades - EDDC Development Management, Councillor Richard Jeffries - EDDC, Zoe Hughes - Community Builder Wellbeing Cranbrook/Exeter, Audrey Haine - LHC Design, Liam Fisher - EDDC Development Management.
A new sculpture is now a central feature in front of the new Tithebarn Local Centre. The Local Centre is a focal point for the community on the new mixed-use development close to Exeter Science Park. The sculpture named ‘Chaetonotus’ (pronounced ‘key-toe-no-tus’), has been created by East Devon artist, Martin Staniforth. Its curvy form has been designed to echo the shapes of tiny creatures living in nearby ponds. It was funded by Eagle One Ltd, developer of the local centre, and selected with help from Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG).
East Devon District Council announces dedicated support for local community action groups
 The council is partnering with Community Action Groups (CAG) Devon and funding a dedicated project coordinator to empower new and existing groups – many of which are led by teams of committed volunteers – to work towards a more sustainable future. Each group delivers a unique service, from surplus food cafes, and community fridges, to water refill stations, and clothes swaps.
Holocaust Memorial Day
On Monday 27 January 2025, we come together to observe Holocaust Memorial Day - a time to remember and honour the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.
This year's theme, 'for a better future', marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to stand against hatred and intolerance.
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Sidmouth's Blackmore Gardens short stay car park now open
Sidmouth's new car park, opposite the library, on Blackmore Drive, has 19 spaces.
The maximum stay is two hours between 8am and 6pm, and charges apply seven days a week (including bank holidays). East Devon and Sidmouth Town permit holders can use the car park for a maximum of two hours each day, with no return permitted on the same day.
There are alternative short stay car parks within the town, if you need them. Sidmouth's primary long stay car park on Manor Road has 280 spaces, so it is the best option if you are parking all day. View a map of car parks across East Devon on the council's website.
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Are you interested in new commercial units at Cranbrook?
We want to hear from small business owners that may wish to locate in Cranbrook Town Centre. We’re currently creating proposals for a new ‘Cranbox’ scheme - a development of small business units and shops in the heart of the town. There’s high demand for space in East Devon’s newest town and we want to know more about the type of space you may need.
Complete the survey before 9am on Monday 3 February 2025, it should take you no more than five minutes.
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Drop-in to learn about the Exmouth Beach Management Plan Update on Thursday
Hear about the three proposed options for securing Exmouth seafront's long-term future from representatives of the Exmouth BMP project. The drop-in event will take place at the Estuary Suite at Ocean, on Queens Drive in Exmouth, between 2pm-6pm on Thursday 30 January 2025.
Your input is vital in shaping the future of Exmouth’s coastline, so make sure you take part in the consultation before 5pm on Monday 10 February 2025.
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Share your feedback about East Devon's Draft Housing Strategy
The council welcomes any additional comments or suggestions that you have, to ensure the 2025-2030 Housing Strategy is as effective, and comprehensive, as possible. Your input will be carefully considered before the Strategy is finalised.
Get involved in the consultation before the deadline of 4pm on Monday 31 March 2025.
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Don't be a firestarter - recycle your batteries safely
Batteries in the refuse bin can spark fires. Help keep everyone safe by recycling them the right way:
- Place used batteries in a tied transparent bag.
- Put the bag at the top of your recycling box.
Together, we can protect our environment and reduce fire risks. Visit the Recycling and Waste webpages for more advice.
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Have you downloaded our free East Devon app yet?
Join more than 60,000 residents using our smartphone app and get simple personalised recycling and waste collection reminders, the latest collection updates and tell us about a missed collection. You can download the app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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Sign up for a free retrofit course
Book your place on a fully-funded green skills course about retrofit, solar, or heat pumps. Sessions are planned through January, February, and March. Held at the Exeter College Future Skills Centre, they are funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, and provided by East Devon District Council.
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Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website
 Council meetings dates
Over the next week the following East Devon District Council meetings are taking place:
You can watch public meetings live on the council’s YouTube channel.
 You may be interested in
Next edition
We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 31 January 2025.
Please forward this email to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.
You can also share this update on social media and in any online groups you're part of by using the view it as a web page link at the top of the page.
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