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Knowle development under threat

A ding dong over the Dell (courtesy: Pegasus Life)

Council starts legal action

East Devon District Council's former headquarters at Knowle, near Sidmouth, has been lying empty since the local authority upped sticks and moved to a purpose-built facility in Honiton last year. Now the proposed redevelopment is under threat after the company that has planned a retirement village there failed to complete the purchase.

Lifestory Group Limited, which was known as Pegasus when it revealed its ambitious plan last year, should have stumped up an outstanding amount of £9 million pounds and exchanged contracts with the council last Wednesday (18 December). That didn't happen, although the council says they've been told it may be possible in the new year.

That's got East Devon bosses a bit hot under the collar, so they're getting legal on Lifestory Group. They want their £9 million, together with any costs and damages. They say: "The council considers this a necessary and appropriate step as it has an overriding responsibility to protect the public purse."

Plans for the Knowle site, should it go ahead, include 115 one and two-bed homes for older people, complete with restaurant, library and cinema. It will be split into two areas, one known as the Dell (CGI image shown here) and the Plateau.

Whilst the legal spat goes on, the council says it will continue to keep the area secured.

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