Delay in redeveloping Exmouth seafront 'unnecessary' says East Devon Council

Cabinet will consider a report on rising costs on Wednesday

Most of the rising cost of upgrading Exmouth seafront has been "unnecessary", according to East Devon District Council.  It's thought that costs have doubled during a two-year delay - much of which the council puts down to legal costs associated with fighting to get the go-ahead.

Plans for the seafront include the re-routing of Queen's Drive, the main road parallel to the beach, round the back of a new watersports centre that will front directly onto the beach. Shops and a cinema are also contemplated.

But it does mean the loss of many existing attractions, including some that have been passed through generations of the same families. Demolition work began on some at the end of October.

A campaign group called Save Exmouth Seafront is planning a march through the town on Saturday. Earlier this year, a referendum in Exmouth found that few voters were in favour of redevelopment, although the turnout was very low.

It's thought the budget has doubled to about £3 million for some stages, although this was also the sum stated some time ago for the watersports centre alone. This was expected to be run by a Community Interest Company.

In a statement, East Devon District Council said it is committed to transparency and will consider how to consult with the public for the next stage. They didn't want to be interviewed and, as yet, haven't said how people can read the officers' report.