Representative of the group, Andrew Bell, will deliver a three minute statement to councillors outlining why they should oppose the planning application.

Andrew said:

“People in St Thomas and surrounding areas feel deeply misled. What we have witnessed is a strategic, systematic and underhand plan by the owners of the Exebridges Centre to gradually absolve themselves of any responsibility to provide a community facility at the site. It would appear the developer’s sole interest is to maximise revenue without recognising any responsibility to the local community. The decision facing councillors this evening is quite clear. Either they put the commercial interests of a private company before the interests of the community or they reject the application and so put community needs and community life first.”

ENDS

Notes

The Exeter City Council Planning Committee will be held at Monday 5^th December, 5.30pm, Civic Centre.

The Save St Thomas Library Campaign is a community campaign initiated by Exeter Green Party

Planning Application 11/1533/03

The Exebridges Centre, Cowick Street, EX4 1AH

Proposal: Variation of condition 8 to allow the first floor to be used for retail/restaurant/café

Monday 5^th December 2011, 5.30pm, Civic Centre

Agenda item 3 (first planning application to be considered)

Statement to Exeter City Council Planning Committee members by Andrew Bell, on behalf of the Save the St Thomas Library Campaign: http://www.facebook.com/groups/savestthomaslibrary

In February 2010 the application to change the use of the existing library to a retail unit was refused (ref: 09/1248/03) on the grounds that the loss of the library would be contrary to Policies ST1 and ST3 of the Devon Structure Plan and the Community Services section of the Exeter Local Plan First Review. The particulars of the decision stated: “the loss of the existing library facility would result in the loss of a facility needed to support the community needs and provide a focus for community life”.

Well what has changed? Nothing: these policies are still relevant and still apply.

The applicant states that ST1 and ST3 do not set out protection for existing facilities. But the Community Services section of the Exeter Local Plan First Review clearly does. The objectives here are (quote): “to protect and enhance existing community facilities.”

In April 2010 permission was granted for the replacement of the library with a new development of retail units on the ground floor and a library on the first floor (ref:09/2050/03).

This latest application before you tonight (ref: 11/1533/03) seeks to remove any provision of a community facility at the Exbridges Centre. The applicant suggests that this is because Devon County Council withdrew from negotiations. We know in truth that the County Council was forced to withdraw due to the high rent on offer by the site owners.

And in a statement that borders on the absurd, the applicant states that: “The application will not result in the loss of a library.” As the former library has been demolished and there is currently no library in St Thomas – either a temporary library or agreement about a permanent site for a library – and that a library was a condition of planning consent, this statement is just plain wrong.

As the Council have not identified and agreed alternative premises for a permanent library of a similar quality, capacity and accessibility granting permission to this application will result in the loss of a library and, as I have clearly identified, be contrary to both the Devon Structure Plan and the Exeter Local Plan First Review.

People in St Thomas and surrounding areas feel deeply misled. What we have witnessed is a strategic, systematic and underhand plan by the owners of the Exebridges Centre to gradually absolve themselves of any responsibility to provide a community facility at the site. It would appear the developer’s sole interest is to maximise revenue without recognising any responsibility to the local community.

You have plenty of other reasons why this application should be refused based on 71 objections received (refer to page 3 of the Agenda item 3: Representations) To highlight a few: the current site represents a sustainable location – close to shops and other services and with good public transport links; additional retail/restaurant is not needed in the area – indeed they could threaten a vibrant local economy with several successful small independent cafes and businesses.

So the decision before you this evening is quite clear: you must choose whether to put the commercial interests of a private company before the interests of the community or to put community needs and community life first. By refusing permission you will also be adhering to policies relating to community services and facilities agreed by both the County and City Councils.