Guide New Public Toilets

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3. FAQS

Where can I find out more about this project?

Information can be found on our website which outlines the project, the consultation and actions taking following the consultation: Public Toilet Review - The proposals - East Devon

If you have any further questions about the project email property@eastdevon.gov.uk and someone will get back to you.

Which toilets are in phase one?

  • East End (Lime Kiln), Budleigh Salterton
  • Foxholes, Exmouth
  • Lace Walk, Honiton
  • West Walk, Seaton

A new toilet facility was proposed at the Ham East Short Stay Car Park / Sidmouth Swimming Pool but planning permission was refused.

Will there be temporary toilets be provided at all sites in phase one?

Yes with the exception of Lace Walk, Honiton.

It was decided that the temporary toilets would not be required at Lace Walk, Honiton due to low levels of use. 

Why can’t building works take place in the winter, outside of the tourist season?

In an ideal world, the works could take place outside of the summer season, but the weather is rarely suitable at that time of year, especially on the seafronts.

What consultation has been carried out with regards to the public toilets?

In 2021, nearly 1,300 people along with town and parish councils took part in the Public Toilets Review questionnaire, informing EDDC of their views of proposals for its public toilets.

Read more about the findings of the consultation here: Public Toilet Review - What we did about what you told us - East Devon

How can I find the planning applications for these?

All related planning applications can be found here: Simple Search (eastdevon.gov.uk)

What will be the opening hours of the new toilets?

The opening hours will stay the same.

Opening 8am in the summer and winter and closing at 10pm in the summer and 7pm in the winter.

Public toilets information - East Devon

Will there be temporary toilets, while the works to refurbish the permanent toilets take place?  

Temporary toilet provision whilst toilets are closed for refurbishment or development, including accessible toilets, will be considered for each site. 

Provision will be based on current use, proximity to other existing toilet facilities and specific site conditions.

Will temporary toilets be available as soon as works begin? 

Yes, with the exception of Lace Walk, Honiton.

Will there be disabled access temporary toilets?  

Yes there will be at least 1 disabled access toilet at each site.

Will I need a radar key for the temporary disabled toilets?

No.

Will the temporary toilets be cleaned? 

Yes, they will be cleaned daily as per the current toilets  

The emptying of the toilets will be carried out by the company supplying the temporary toilets and the frequency of this will be monitored and increased if necessary.

Are the temporary toilets free?

Yes.

Will I have to pay to use the new toilets?  

All the newly refurbished toilets will charge 40p per use. It will be contactless payments only (no cash). EDDC is currently working to create special measures for those who cannot or do not wish to pay by card – details to follow.

When will the new toilets be open?

It is hoped the new toilets in this phase will all be completed by Autumn. As with any projects, there could be delays for reasons outside of the council’s control but we will provide regular updates via our website and social media channels

Will there be showers installed at the new toilets?

Showers will be installed at all the beach front sites (Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Seaton).

How is it being funded?

East Devon District Council is funding the programme from its own capital investment along with some funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities towards the adult changing places.

Further information

For general information about our public toilets please visit: Public toilets information - East Devon