Knowle Relocation Project: PegasusLife appeal >>> objection from SAVE Britain's Heritage

The arguments against the appeal at Knowle are staking up - including from the District Council's own officers:
Futures Forum: Knowle Relocation Project: PegasusLife appeal >>> critique from District Council's own Landscape Architect

Objections to last year's planning application can be sent once again to the Appeal authorities:
alison.bell@pins.gsi.gov.uk 
Appeal Ref: APP/U1105/W/17/3177340

The official guidance states that the Inspector will go through all previous objections thoroughly as part of the process.

This objection from SAVE Britain's Heritage from last year has been forwarded once again - just to make sure...

Planning Department

East Devon District Council

By email to: planning@eastdevon.gov.uk 

8^th November 2016

The Knowle and The Knowle Park, Sidmouth – Planning Application: 16/0872/MFUL - amendments

Further to our letters in February and May of this year, SAVE writes to restate its strong objection to the planning application, which has now been amended, by PegasusLife to demolish the 19th-century council offices and build on the Knowle Park in Sidmouth, Devon.

The proposed amendments relate to the location of Building E and the surrounding landscaping.  They are intended to alleviate the impact of the development on the Grade II listed summerhouse.   Building E was originally proposed to have been only 8 metres away from the summerhouse but has been moved back to 16.5 metres and the mass of the building has been somewhat reduced.  However, the amendments have not addressed our fundamental objections. 

As detailed in our letter of 25 May 2016 (attached), in our view, the loss of the Knowle and the additional development of the park’s upper lawns and car park as proposed represent a devastating blow to the history and character of Sidmouth. The long-term benefits of retaining this building should be properly considered as it would serve to secure an important local landmark.

As regards the impact on the summerhouse, the siting of the proposed large development continues significantly to impact the setting of this listed structure and the character of this area of the park.

In light of the above concerns, SAVE repeats its request that East Devon District Council reject this application and consider a new approach for the site that preserves the Knowle’s amenity for the local community and wider public.

Yours sincerely,

Liz Fuller

Buildings at Risk Officer

Here is the letter from 25th May last year:

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