3rd May 2011

SIDMOUTH: Conservation group's appeal to councillors

By Huw Hennessy

The Sid Vale Association (SVA), the biggest conservation group in the Sid Vale, has called on local councillors to help protect the green spaces in and around Sidmouth, much of which lies within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, against housing developers.

It says it has heard that “hundreds of houses” are being planned for another new building project in fields opposite the new Laureate Rise estate in Woolbrook.

Handel Bennet, outgoing chairman of the SVA, spoke at its Annual General Meeting last week, of “fears and concerns” at further housing estates being planned, in addition to the hundreds of new homes being built on the outskirts of the town, at Woolbrook and Stowford Rise.

In a letter addressed to candidates standing for election or re-election to East Devon District Council on May 5th, the SVA says: “The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) was designated by Government Order in 1963. This designation requires planning authorities to uphold and protect the natural countryside within the AONB.

“The SVA has just received information that surveyors acting on behalf of a national builder, have been seen in fields stretching from Greenway Lane, (Woolbrook), southwards along the B3176, towards Bulverton.

“They said this was necessary work preparatory to applying for planning permission. The area would accommodate hundreds of houses, and wipe out a very large area of countryside landscape to the west of Sidmouth.

“Natural landscape is a precious resource. Once lost it cannot be replaced. We all have to protect our landscape, so that others – yet unborn – will come to know and quietly enjoy its fragile natural beauty.

It is a commitment we must not ignore.

“We invite all candidates who seek election or re-election on May 5, 2011, to confirm publicly their determination, when elected, to uphold their statutory legislation, which gives protection against building development of housing estates within the East Devon AONB.”

The SVA, with 2,400 members, is a powerful lobby for local community and environmental concerns in the Sid Vale area.

It says it will publish details of candidates who confirm their commitment to protect the AONB from “intrusive housing estates”.

At the time of going to press, it had received confirmation of support from 16 candidates, including five from Sidmouth: Miriam Brown (Green Party candidate for Budleigh Salterton ward); Lawrie Brownlee (UKIP), John Dyson (Independent) and Ian Walker (Labour), for Sidmouth Town ward; and Sharon Howe (Green Party candidate for Sidmouth rural ward).

SVA Annual Meeting

At its Annual General Meeting, held at the Manor Pavilion on Wednesday, April 20th, the SVA gave its thanks to several long-standing members who are stepping down from their roles, and called on others to step into the breach with volunteers needed for various tasks.

Dr Bob Symes, CBE, Curator of the Sidmouth Museum, made a presentation to Jimmy Lynch.

Jimmy has been Secretary of the museum for many years and is now retiring. Dr Symes thanked Maureen Church, Collections Leader, and Norma Pearce, Front of House Manager, both long serving volunteers who are also retiring.

He said their skills and dedication over the years will be much missed; and he praised the many people who run the museum, all of whom are volunteers.

“The continuity of the museum’s staff is very important,” he said.
Fortunately, several volunteers have come forward and after training, the museum hopes they will enjoy playing a full role in its activities.

More than 15,000 visitors came to Sidmouth last year, which Dr Symes said was its highest ever attendance. Among its planned exhibitions and activities for 2011 is a display on the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, a collection of Cornish family miniatures, as well as ongoing research into Peter Orlando Hutchison’s archive of books and paintings.

Footpaths Committee

SVA Chairman, Rev Handel Bennett, made a presentation to Philip Atkinson, who is retiring from his role leading the Footpaths committee.

Mr Atkinson thanked the many SVA members who over the last 20 years have helped keep the 58 miles of Public Rights of Way in the Sid Valley in good condition.

Mr Atkinson has been a member of SVA for more than 20 years too, describing his job as “the easiest of anyone on the committee, it has been a lovely task.”

Nick Keast will take over the running of this group; Mr Atkinson wished him well and said he was confident he would look after the footpaths.

Well known as an accomplished long-distance runner and cyclist, Mr Atkinson said that Nick, a Royal Marine, would be a very welcome addition to the committee.

New Chairman

Rev Bennett, who has been chairman of the SVA for the last seven years, is handing over to Alan Darrant, the current secretary of the association.

Mr Darrant made a presentation to Handel and spoke of the tremendous benefit to Sidmouth that arises from the Keith Owen Fund, which came into being under the guidance of Handel Bennett.

He admitted however, a “slight reluctance” in stepping into the role, calling his predecessor “a hard act to follow.”

Rev Bennett, who will remain the SVA’s vice chairman and chairman of the Keith Owen Fund committee, said that during his seven years as chairman he had enjoyed “the rich tapestry of life,”

The SVA is a charity run entirely by volunteers and welcomes new members.

For more details visit www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk or telephone the secretary on 01395 519848.

PICTURE: Christine Bull, of Sidmouth Museum, with a display of its books and gifts on sale

SIDMOUTH: Conservation group's appeal to councillors

SIDMOUTH: Conservation group's appeal to councillors

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