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Exmouth's Men Shed project to expand

They'll extend the current premises

As part of Open Door Exmouth, the Men’s Shed community project is designed to give men an opportunity to engage in working on projects together, find new friends, learn new skills and enjoy some friendly banter.

Most of the activity at present is centred on working with wood (wood turning, scroll saw, and general carpentry) or relaxing over a game of pool at their meeting place adjacent to Clayton House, and between two blocks of flats in Liverton Close, Exmouth.

But the project has become so successful that they require a single storey extension to the existing workshop and the erection of a machine shop and a woodstore, and longer opening hours, to cope with the demand.

East Devon District Council’s Development Management Committee approved the two applications unanimously.

Planning officer Chris Rose told councillors that the hours of us are proposed to be extended to allow use on Mondays and Fridays, currently not permitted, and earlier start and later finish during the week and to allow weekend use, allowing the site to be used between 9am and 7pm during the week and until 4pm on weekends.

He added: “The application seeks planning permission for the erection of a wooden building on land to the north of the existing Men’s Shed in Exmouth. It is also proposed to extend the existing building by an addition to the eastern end of the building. The Men’s Shed has been operating from the premises since 2015, and has proved to be a very successful venture, such that permission is now being sought to extend the building and hours of operation to allow for further classes and activities to be undertaken.

“Extending the building and opening hours would be likely to result in additional activity on the site in terms of more people, noise, disturbance and potentially vehicle movements and there are a number of residents in close proximity to the site. While the suggested hours of operation are noted, it is considered that a balance needs to be struck between providing additional services for the users of the facility, and the amenity of local residents.

“The proposed extensions to the building are considered to be acceptable in terms of their visual impact and impact upon the amenity of surrounding residents, although again the hours of operation from these extensions should also match the main building to protect amenity.”

Cllr Mark Williamson said that the Men’s Shed was a hugely popular asset for Exmouth and that it was eminently sensible to approve the extension, with conditions.

Cllr Bruce de Saram added: “This is an excellent proposal and meets the demand of an expanding community facility.”

Cllr Ben Ingham added that he approved of the application but only with the condition that opening hours were no later than 7pm and that no outdoor woodworking was allowed, saying: “It would be unreasonable for parents to be unable to put their kids to bed at the time they want as the men next door are making a racket.”

The application was unanimously approved.

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