5 September 2012 - East Devon District Council

Overview and Scrutiny Committee 26 July 2012
11 Office relocation project update (continued)
The Committee also discussed how the timing of the submission of the outline
application impacted on the overall project. Some Members were concerned that a
great deal of information needed studying first, and that a deferral of the outline
application to September would be preferred.
The Leader reminded Members that the outline application is needed to establish
the value of the site, in order to assess if the relocation project is viable. Delay on
the outline application being submitted would adversely impact on the viability
decision. Richard Cohen reminded the Committee of the length of time for an
application to be considered – 18 August to 16 November was a reasonable period
to consider all the elements of the outline application. The related assessments
could not be carried out too early, or they may be challenged at the application
stage for being out of date.
The Committee was reminded that no decision had been taken on relocation yet.
The Chairman of the Council advised Members that the decision was not about
Sidmouth, but about the Council, and advised Members not to delay the process.
RESOLVED 1 that the update on the office relocation project is noted
and further updates be received by the Committee as
the project progresses.
RECOMMENDED 1 that the DCEO, Richard Cohen attend a meeting of
Sidmouth Town Council to discuss the relocation project
at the earliest, appropriate time;
*12 Update on Post Office pilot scheme
2 that Cabinet is asked to consider consulting the
electorate of the District on the proposed relocation of
the main office to Honiton and significant presence in
Exmouth;
3 that an independent assessment be carried out as soon
as possible on the costs and viability of retaining the
Council Offices at the Knowle site; simultaneously with
an independent assessment of the costs and viability of
relocating the offices to Honiton.
Councillor Ken Potter updated the Committee on the Post Office pilot scheme for
introducing Post Office “Locals”. The pilot scheme ended in June.
Councillor Potter had attended a Pathfinder Councils meeting in Birmingham on the
27 June. He voiced his disgust to the Committee about that meeting, which he felt
had been biased towards the Post Office plans. As a result, he had written to the
LGA outlining his concerns.
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