New toilet block works set to begin in East Devon

Works to replace four toilet blocks in Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton and Honiton are set to begin shortly. The works will provide modern fit-for-purpose facilities, improved accessibility and generally a more pleasant user experience.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has revealed updated phase one start dates as part of a major 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.

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.

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.

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.

Background: Why This Investment is Critical

This project follows the 2021 Public Toilet Review consultation, which received nearly 1,300 responses from residents and visitors. The consultation was launched to address the challenges posed by outdated and difficult-to-maintain facilities, rising operational costs, and the need for improved hygiene standards highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a result of the review, each public toilet site in East Devon was placed into one of three categories:

Category A: Key sites that will be fully refurbished to support the community and visitor economy.
Category B: Less used sites, where alternative uses, such as café leases or transfers to local councils, are being considered.
Category C: Sites the council can no longer afford to operate but are open for community management proposals.

The upgrade of Category A sites will ensure the community has access to modern, hygienic, and well-maintained facilities that meet today’s expectations.

FAQs: What You Need to Know

Where can I find more information about the project?

Details about the project, including the consultation and next steps, can be found on our website: Public Toilet Review - The Proposals. For further inquiries, please email us at property@eastdevon.gov.uk.

Which sites are subject to investment in phase one?

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

A proposed new facility at Sidmouth Ham East Short Stay Car Park was not approved due to refusal of the planning application.

Will there be temporary toilets available?

Yes, temporary toilets will be provided at all phase one sites except Lace Walk, Honiton, due to low usage at that location. Accessible toilets will also be available, and no radar key will be required.

Will I have to pay to use the new toilets?

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.

Will there be additional facilities like showers?

Yes, showers will be installed at all seafront locations (Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, and Seaton) as part of the investment.

When will the new toilets open?

We anticipate all phase one toilets will open by early Spring 2025. However, there may be delays due to unforeseen circumstances, and regular updates will be provided on our website and social media channels.

How is this project funded?

The refurbishment programme is being funded by East Devon District Council’s capital investment, along with additional funding from the (then) Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities for adult changing facilities.

Next steps and further phases:

While work progresses on phase one, EDDC is already preparing for the next phases of the public toilet investment programme. Early design and survey work is underway, and the transfer of Category B and C sites to local town and parish councils is on track for completion by March 31, 2025 with other lettings to commercial operators thereafter.

For more information, including updates on construction timelines and temporary facilities, visit eastdevon.gov.uk: Public Toilets Information - East Devon.