Refreshment kiosk for Orcombe Point gets go ahead

Planning permission granted for light refreshment kiosk on zig-zag path following keen public interest in a facility to replace former café.

Planning permission has been granted under delegated authority by East Devon District Council for a refreshment kiosk to be installed on the platform leading off the zig-zag path at Orcombe Point.

Following an appeal for ideas about Exmouth’s Orcombe Point, made by local East Devon ward member Councillor Mark Williamson in March 2017, which resulted in 50 suggestions from people saying what they would like to see at the site, the council were encouraged to prepare and submit a planning application. Consent has now been obtained for a small temporary facility, serving teas, coffees and light refreshments, which will be sited where the old Orcombe Point café was previously.

The council welcomes the level of public interest in the future of Orcombe Point’s quality café concession, which will  feature timber cladding (as stipulated in the conditional planning consent), which will be available for an initial three year period, and is pleased to have received such a positive response to the call for ideas.

It now plans to market the opportunity in July and anticipates a strong response.

Details of people who expressed an interest in response to Cllr Williamson’s initial enquiry have been kept on file and they will be contacted to see if they would like to pursue this exciting opening further.

Some servicing work to prepare the site for occupation, needs to be carried out by the council, but this is already underway.

Cllr Phil Skinner, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for economy, said: “Orcombe Point brings back many fond memories for myself whilst a child growing up in Exmouth, as I am sure it does for many others. It is clear from the strong public opinion, which has been voiced, that a café facility at this end of our beautiful seafront is much needed.

“The regeneration board has been working closely with council officers and Exmouth Town Council to look at replacing the old café on the zig-zag path with a new kiosk or small café and we have been proactive in placing a planning application to support this idea. It is therefore extremely encouraging that we have achieved consent for a temporary solution, which could be open this summer. This is a positive response by the council to public interest in and demand for such a facility at Orcombe Point.”

Local Exmouth ward member, Councillor Mark Williamson, who has been closely involved with the project, said: “I am delighted to see the progress made in replacing the cafe at Orcombe Point. This is what the public have called for over many years. I know it will be warmly welcomed by families enjoying our lovely beach and the many walkers exploring the Jurassic Coast.”