Seaton nature plan approved

Plans to extend the cemetery in Seaton and develop a nature reserve have been approved by East Devon District Council.

The application was seeking permission for formal public access to the nature reserve at Blackhole Marsh via an existing track, an extension to Seaton Cemetery (to include a change of use of the field), construction of a car park, two hides, within the existing reserve area, excavation of a reed bed and pond within the north western section of the site, access paths and tracks to hides, and the creation of a hedge bank to screen the lagoon from the path crossing the site. Various other works are proposed including piping from the reedbed to the Stafford Brook which flows through the northern section of the reserve and then into the Axe.

Among the conditions were provisions to ensure adequate facilities for traffic, to ensure the preservation and enhancement of the area and to ensure any archaeological finds are properly recorded.