Latest news with #EastDevon
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Explore bats, moths and more at Devon nature events
From twilight bat walks to early morning moth discoveries, nature enthusiasts in East Devon will have the chance to learn more about wildlife in their local area with a number of Wild East Devon programme is "packed with opportunities to get up close with some of the area's wildlife", the East Devon District Council highlights are bat walks at Seaton Wetlands, where participants use detectors to listen for calls from 14 recorded species, including the rare Bechstein's and grey long-eared bats. "From traditional crafts such as willow weaving and spoon carving to immersive wildlife experiences, there's something for everyone," countryside manager James Chubb said. Also new this year are moth and muffin mornings, which will "provide attendees with the chance to discover the beauty of moths and the staggering diversity of species found at Seaton Wetlands", the council Trinity Hill, nightjar walks will guide visitors through dusk landscapes in search of the elusive, ground-nesting nightjar, known for its haunting events include:Willow Garden Owl, Saturday 7 June, Seaton WetlandsSpoon Carving for Beginners, Saturday 14 June, Seaton WetlandsSeaton Wetlands Summer Holiday Club, 4–8 August
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Seaton Hole: Major cliff protection work brought forward
A massive cliff protection scheme is likely to go ahead this year after a council agreed to bring forward Hole on the south coast has suffered repeated major landslips that have left beach users and coastal homes in Devon District Council said 7,000 tonnes of rock must be delivered by sea to Seaton by September to be able to press ahead with the project before prices go council's cabinet recommended an upfront investment of £673,500 this year to enable the £2.2m scheme to go ahead with a final decision due to be made by full council on 18 June. The council said the decision was "critical to help reduce delays and cost increases".Geoff Jung, cabinet member for environment at East Devon District Council, said: "Approval from council will allow us to push ahead and order the new rock to ensure best value for money now, as delays may result in higher costs being incurred next year."The project included increasing the volume of existing rock armour at the base of the cliffs, upgrading the steel baskets used to hold rocks in place and maintaining the current total cost is expected to be £2.2m and has already been approved by the Environment council said it was confident planning permission would be granted, as no major issues were raised during the pre-application report said there was a "small risk" of not getting planning permission but "in the worst-case scenario" that would result in the council having rock armour for future schemes.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
East Devon District Council rejects lithium battery facility
Plans to build a lithium battery storage facility in East Devon have been Energy had asked for permission to build and operate the battery energy storage system (BESS) south of Hazelhurst Raymonds Hill in planners at East Devon District Council rejected the scheme after a three-and-a-half hour debate which saw residents raise concerns about fire risks and the developer stating its equipment was 100% safe, examples of BESS fires around the country were highlighted as evidence about why the scheme should be refused. BESS facilities allow energy companies to store electricity generated by renewable sources, such as wind or solar. The Local Democracy Reporting Service said this meant they could provide locations with renewably-generated energy, even when supply from those sources was low because of lack of sunshine or Rothwell, from Clearstone Energy, said proposals such as this one were "critical" to increasing energy security, reducing energy costs and slowing the rate of climate said the project would not have "put the safety of local residents or the water supplies at risk". 'With power comes responsibility' Elliot Jones, speaking on behalf of Hawkchurch Action Group, said the application being considered raised "profound risks to public safety and environmental integrity".Councillor Sarah Jackson said she had worked at a company that developed products to contain lithium iron battery said they were "toxic" and "hard to extinguish". Councillor Paul Hayward said he understood the need for green energy solutions, but felt the application contradicted many of the council's planning said: "With power comes responsibility, and so anyone proposing this type of scheme in open countryside needs to provide you with 100% assurance that the benefits outweigh the risk of harm."If you have doubt or reservations about that, then you must refuse permission."
