A planning application to build a new toilet block outside the swimming pool at The Ham has been refused.

Part of the Rockfish development at the old drill hall involves expanding to also take over the public toilet block next door. 

The news comes as work to replace four toilet blocks in Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton and Honiton is set to begin soon.

Read more: New toilet block could be built by Sidmouth Swimming Pool.

Construction is expected to last around two to three months at each site. The scheduled start dates (weather permitting) are as follows: 

·         Exmouth (Foxholes): Monday, 7th October 

·         Budleigh Salterton (East End, Lime Kiln): Monday, 21st October 

·         Seaton (West Walk): Monday, 4th November 

·         Honiton (Lace Walk): Monday, 18th November 

Initial works will involve site set-up and essential surveys, with major groundworks commencing at the Exmouth site near the beginning of November with other sites following shortly thereafter. 

All investment works are scheduled for completion by early 2025, with the Exmouth site expected to be finished in December and the Honiton site by February. 

Temporary toilet facilities will be provided at Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, and Seaton throughout the works, but no temporary facilities will be available at Lace Walk, Honiton, due to levels of usage and access to other public toilets in locality.

The works will provide modern fit-for-purpose facilities, improved accessibility and generally a more pleasant user experience.

This project follows the 2021 Public Toilet Review consultation. Read more: East Devon Council extend closing date for public toilets.

Temporary toilets will be provided at all phase one sites except Lace Walk, Honiton. Accessible toilets will also be available, and no radar key will be required. 

The new toilets will cost 40p to use, and showers will be installed at all seafront locations. 

The work is part of an East Devon District Council (EDDC) public toilet investment programme majority funded by the council with top-up funding from national government towards new adult changing places facilities at the Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Seaton sites.

For more information, visit the EDDC website.