Mel met with representatives from the Mid Devon District Council Planning and Place Directorate, Building Control and Devon County Council Highways in Copplestone on Friday to discuss the ongoing closure of the A377.
Officers provided an update to Mel that the interior demolition of the Cross Hotel has now taken place. Contractors are due to attend the site on Monday to initiate the demolition of a key external wall. This should facilitate the reopening of the A377 during the week commencing 4th August.
Mel was reassured by officers that both authorities were fully aware of the serious disruption the road closure has caused for local residents and businesses. Mid Devon District Council committed to keeping those who live nearby updated.
Mel said: “It was good to meet with officers from both MDDC and DCC on Friday afternoon to discuss the road closure. I was reassured that the disruption to the A377, which has persisted for far too long, will be resolved by the week commencing 4th August. I will, of course, closely follow this issue and continue to make representations on behalf of constituents until all road issues are resolved.”
The planning application for permission for the full demolition of the Cross Hotel will go before MDDC’s planning committee on Wednesday, the 30th of July – with advice from officers to approve. Work to reopen Bewsley Hill will continue after the reopening of the A377,= and Mel will remain closely engaged with the local authority until both roads are fully reopened.
