Work to replace public toilets in four East Devon towns with pay-to-use loos is due to begin in October and November.
‘Modern, fit-for-purpose facilities’ will be constructed at sites in Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton and Honiton.
It will cost residents and visitors 40p to use the completed conveniences which will offer ‘improved accessibility and generally a more pleasant user experience’.
An artist’s impression of the new public toilets in Exmouth. Image: EDDC
Construction is expected to last ‘around two-to-three months’ at each of the respective sites, with work to begin on:
- Foxholes, Exmouth – Monday, October 7;
- East End, Lime Kiln, Budleigh Salterton – Monday, October 21;
- West Walk, Seaton – Monday, November 4;
- Lace Walk, Honiton – Monday, November.
Temporary loos will be provided in Exmouth, Budleigh and Seaton, but not in Honiton due to ‘levels of usage’and access to other conveniences nearby.
Once the new toilets are open, a charge of 40p per use will apply, payable via contactless methods…
An artist’s impression of the new public toilets in Budleigh Salterton. Image: EDDC
The work is ‘phase one’ of a major investment in public toilets by East Devon District Council (EDDC).
Top-up funding from the Government will also go towards adult changing and shower facilities at the Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Seaton sites.
An artist’s impression of the new public toilets in Honiton. Image: EDDC
Initial work will involve site set-up and essential surveys. Major groundworks won’t start in Exmouth until ‘near the beginning of November’ – with the towns ‘following shortly thereafter’.
The new loos are scheduled for completion by early 2025.
The Exmouth site is expected to be finished in December and the Honiton site by February.
All are anticipated to be open by ‘early spring 2025’, says the district council.
The project follows a 2021 review and consultation over public toilets which received nearly 1,300 responses from residents and visitors.
A proposed new facility at the Sidmouth Ham East short-stay car park was scrapped after a planning application was refused.
An EDDC spokesperson said: “Once the new toilets are open, a charge of 40p per use will apply, payable via contactless methods.
“Special provisions for those unable to pay by card are being developed and will be announced in due course.”
