A view of the Strand Gardens in Exmouth. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref exe 5026-16-11SH

East Devon MP Huge Swire has called for a controversial Strand Garden building plan to be scrapped.

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New plans for a £400,000 Strand pavilion were re-submitted at the end of last year, showing a glass-fronted building, which would serve as a bus shelter and offer other facilities.

Mr Swire praised the Strand Garden improvements, but said the proposed development would have a detrimental affect on the area.

He has called into question the idea of developing on the town centre area and urged those responsible for the future of The Strand to rethink any building proposals.

The East Devon MP said the final piece in the £3 million Strand regeneration, by Devon County Council in partnership with East Devon District Council (EDDC) and Exmouth Town Council, had stirred up concerns throughout the community.

Mr Swire said: “I believe the police have raised concerns about it going to be a magnet for anti-social behaviour, while some of the traders have raised concerns about it taking away trade. Some people are concerned about its visual impact.

“I think there are also questions about the amount of money it is going to cost at a time when people are having to tighten their belts.

“I urge a rethink about the whole principle of having something there.

“I call on those involved to reconsider all aspects of it.”

The revised plans by Paul Humphries Architects Ltd show a glass-fronted building - minus the second floor, shown on the original plans.

The multi-functional building would be 1.5 metres lower and serve as a bus shelter, a performance backdrop with a ‘retail sales’ or small-scale catering space inside.

Strand café owners have complained about the direct competition of any new catering business.

Once built, the building would be leased on a commercial basis and the income used to fund the ongoing maintenance of the building.

● See page seven for the latest news: The proposed Strand pavilion building should be approved by East Devon District Council, according to planning officers.

The plan, which will be considered by district councillors next week, had previously been recommended for refusal by Exmouth Town Council.