Update on closure on Knowstone picnic sites

Message from John Pomfret, Parish Council Chairman, posted to Facebook on 25th July.

I understand that the leases at the 2 picnic areas expire in August. As there is still no information regarding Devon County Council's plans I have today emailed Cllr Hopley - the new County Councillor for our area as follows:

Sidemoor and Moortown Cross Picnic Areas - URGENT ACTION REQUESTED

Dear Councillor Hopley,

You may recall at the meeting of Knowstone Parish Council in May the matter of the two picnic areas adjacent to the A361 was discussed. Devon County Council Land & Property committee decided, at their meeting on January 31st 2025, to sell these two assets. There is no mention of any discussions regarding these sites or any plan as to how best to dispose of them or replace them. A notice was put up at each location saying that the land was to be disposed of and stating that representations or objections be made to DCC no later than two weeks from the date of the notices. However, neither notice was dated!

Since January the committee has not met again, presumably because of the elections. I note that the next meeting is scheduled for 18th September 2025 and note also that you are now a member of this committee.

The minutes of the January meeting use the phrase “Land at Moortown(/Sidemoor) Picnic Site, South of South Molton on North Devon Link Road be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements and disposed of and that best endeavours are used to ensure existing facilities are maintained or enhanced, failing which, the matter will be brought back to the Committee for further consideration.”

No other communication appears to have been made to the tenants at these establishments or to any local residents or councils although I have been told that their tenancy agreements expire sometime in August. No-one seems to know what is going on.

The two sites currently employ some local people, produce an income to the treasury and do a brisk trade, especially at this time of year, serving a large number of passing holidaymakers. Unless the County Council has a suitable immediate plan for such facilities to continue it would be foolhardy to simply close them. The economy of the whole area depends heavily on tourism and these sites provide support for this.

Given the usual pace of progress, even if the assets were sold immediately, it would be a long time before any suitable replacement could be running. Having the existing facilities is far better for the community than derelict sites.

I would ask therefore that, as a matter of urgency (i.e. before the leases expire) the decision to dispose of these assets be re-examined. The proprietors need to be given written assurances that they can continue in business while the County Council comes up with a valid solution. This matter needs to be dealt with before the tenancies are ended by default. If they are forced to close, many people will be affected and once that has happened, re-opening will be difficult.

If you would raise this matter with your colleagues on the committee before the leases expire I would be most grateful.

I hope you are able to action this request and I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.

Kind Regards

John Pomfret

Chairman - Knowstone Parish Council

07802423844