Some will be relieved, others disappointed about ASDA s decision. The Exmouth Community Association has maintained for the past year that ASDA had to make substantial changes to produce a plan acceptable to the community. They seem to have decided they co

Some will be relieved, others disappointed about ASDA's decision. The Exmouth Community Association has maintained for the past year that ASDA had to make substantial changes to produce a plan acceptable to the community. They seem to have decided they could not. It is good that East Devon District Council refused to sell Exmouth short by making concessions.So, we now have the opportunity to develop the estuary site in the true spirit of EDDC's Local Plan, which stipulates:l community facilitiesl an improved public transport interchangel possibility of an additional railway platforml maintained or increased car parkingl footpath and cycleway along the waterfront and to the town centrel landscaping of all public and communal spacesl relocation of coach and lorry parkl a significant visual enhancement to the key entrance to the town with the buildings and spaces designed to a high standard, commensurate with their prominent position both in relation to the town centre and the sensitive environment of the estuary from which they will be open to view.We should all learn from the past year, so that we can avoid a repeat of the stresses and waste of everybody's time and resources. The ECA believes this can be achieved best by establishing, before any other proposals are invited:l what it is that the town, not EDDC, wantsl the fundamental importance of the transport hubl the implications of rising sea-levelsl a clear vision of how re-development of the Royal Avenue site ties in with the town centre shops, pedestrianisation of The Strand, the estuary cycleway and safeguarding of the internationally recognised importance of the estuary environment. The ECA's next step will be to conduct an online survey of views, which we hope will produce valuable information - including the thoughts of the silent majority. Roy Pryke,Chairman, Exmouth Community Association.