Briefing paper sets out possibilities for development on car park next to Honiton Magistrates’ Court.

A BRIEFING paper, circulated to councillors ahead of an extraordinary meeting of Honiton Town Council, sets out three possible options for the development of a community centre next to the magistrates’ court.

One of the options is to build the centre as previously outlined at a cost of �1.812m.

Two cheaper options have also been put forward. One is to build office facilities first, as phase one, at a cost of �1.144m, and the other is to build the shell of the building for �1.185m and fit out the second floor, lift and stairs in a second phase.

The briefing paper recommends the �1.185 million option, which will require maximum borrowing of �600,000.

It is understood the council is likely to ask East Devon District Council why its offer of the car park site is not on a freehold basis.

If the option is adopted, more talks will take place with community groups.