I refer to the public notices contained in your July 8 issue of the Midweek Herald in which Tesco and Sainsbury advise of their planning proposals for Seaton.

I refer to the public notices contained in your July 8 issue of the Midweek Herald in which Tesco and Sainsbury advise of their planning proposals for Seaton.

The public have little time to comment on these proposals, as they have to be in by July 29. The Seaton Visitor Centre Trust urges as many people as possible to make their views about these planning applications known to East Devon District Council's planning department and to the local town/parish council.

A Jurassic Coast visitor centre has been acknowledged by EDDC, Devon County Council, the World Heritage Site team, SWRDA, town council and a large number of the community and organisations of Seaton, to be the only economic regenerator for Seaton. It will provide the necessary stimulus for inward investment to the town, creating full-time, permanent jobs and business opportunities. It will put Seaton on the tourist map, enhancing and celebrating the unique environment that we are all so lucky to live in, raising civic pride and acting as a catalyst for education and cultural development.

The Tesco application (09/0019/MFUL and 09/0022/MOUT) which proposes a large supermarket and petrol station and the raising of the entire regeneration site to over three metres for future development, still excludes a Jurassic Coast visitor centre in its first phase detailed application and the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust has been making the case to EDDC to make it a condition of approval that such a facility is included.

The Sainsbury application (09/0557/ MFUL), for a supermarket on EDDC land at the Harbour Road car park, proposes a Jurassic Coast visitor centre on the top floor of their supermarket which will overlook the Marshes, estuary and coast. They also propose a cycle hub which will complement and enhance the Seaton visitor offer, attracting thousands each year who use the national cycle routes.

The plans are available for viewing locally this week, until tomorrow (Thursday July 23), at Seaton Town Hall. They can also be seen at the EDDC offices in Sidmouth and via their website. Please quote the application numbers, given above, in any correspondence and write to EDDC Planning Department, Knowle, Sidmouth, EX10 8HL.

Julie Richens

on behalf of the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust