Reply from Hugo Swire, MP

As promised, I am posting below the full text of a letter received from our MP - Hugo Swire (see below for our notes on our meeting with him of 1 December 2007):

Dear
Thank you for coming in to see me at my most recent Advice Bureau at the Knowle in Sidmouth on Friday 1st December 2006 and for outlining your concerns about the proposed redevelopment of Seaton. It is my understanding that by the time you receive this letter the outlining planning permission will be in the public domain and a period will have commenced whereby representations can be made about the Regeneration Project. However, I have very much taken on board your views about the Community Centre and how there needs to be a facility for the Town's residents and particularly younger people to include a children's play ara; ideally a pool, a public meeting room; gym and indoor bowling facilities, etc. I also understand your concerns about the size of the Visitors Centre and your sense that this is too small on the new design.

You made the point about the loss of 500 beds with 80% occupancy rate maintaining they bring approximately £8 - £10 million per annum to the town and that as a result of these proposals 90% of holiday beds will be lost. You also have concerns over car parking and the worry that if Seaton is to be developed to enhance day visits that it will be at a cost to the Town and will create parking problems. You have further ocncerns about the effect on the local economy, loss of jobs, etc. I also fully understand your desire for transparency, as you know.

I have always said that any redvelopment of the Town should be in ther interest of the residents as well as visitors. There will no doubt be a lot of publicity over the next few weeks whilst the consultation period continues, but I shall of course communicate your concerns to Karime Hassan at East Devon District Council and seek reassurance that these perfectly valid points will be taken into consideration. I will ask him to address each one individually before I get back to you.

Yours sincerely
Hugo Swire, MP