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District Councillor John Heath Beer & Branscombe

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District Councillor John Heath Beer & Branscombe

I am the district councillor for Beer, Branscombe and west Seaton. You can contact me at [email protected] We have been together for 23-years.

I am a qualified social worker and social work manager now representing my local community. I have worked in child protection and with children with additional and complex needs. I am originally from Exeter and am married to a 'Beer girl'. I have worked in London and Bristol before returning to my native West Country in 2010. I live slap bang in the middle of my ward and am totally committed to be

st representing my local community. I have three children who are all now adults. I have recently become a granddad for the first time - talk about feeling aged!

15/11/2025

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HEATH’S REPORT OCT – NOV 2025

1. The wall surrounding Beer closed cemetery has been repaired and repointed at its weakest points by an EDDC contractor. From my observations the workmen have done a very good job and deserve commendation. The workmen told me that Beer is the first cemetery to be repaired as part of a schedule of closed cemeteries across East Devon.

2. The badger sets have now been removed from the closed cemetery, the badgers re-sited, and the graves that have been dug under by the badgers repaired. Streetscene will be cutting back the overgrowth on the bank backing onto Barline within the next few weeks.

3. Seaton Hole Coastal Protection Scheme Update - As part of the Seaton Hole Coastal Protection scheme, works to upgrade the existing rock revetment is nearing completion. This brings to an end the main focus of the scheme, with 6,500 tonnes of rock having been placed to increase the level of defence. Concrete repairs to the Check House Wall will soon be completed. Large plant has been removed from the beach and the main site compound in the Jurassic Long Stay Car park is being cleared. The satellite office at the end of West Walks Prom will remain until the project is completed.

All large plant has now left site and the main compound cabins have been removed.

You may be aware at the bottom of the ramp in front of the EDDC toilets, a large area was dug out with the aim for a beach pullback, to reduce the risk of the new toilets being damaged by pebbles. This was incorrectly instructed, and not graded correctly. Friday, a machine will be back to make this area more accessible to the public and park run.

4. The defective railings at west Underleys are on a priority list to be repaired, and the council accepts this is an urgent necessity, so I hope to be able to report in early December that the railings have been secured, removed or replaced.

5. South West Water has repaired the water leaks in Park Road after my intervention in September whereby I liaised directly with their customer services via the councillor hotline.

6. There should be information soon on the contractors identified to carry out the repairs and renovations to the Peazen Flats. I have been working closely with a key senior officer in EDDC Housing regarding the schedule. It may be best for this work to begin in Spring 2026 when there is better weather, but tenants and I will be notified in a meeting in Beer before the end of the year.

7. I am involved in the project to repair and renovate the Chapel of Rest in Beer cemetery and the commitment shown by the volunteers and Rev Justin Montague has been tremendous. I have become one of the trustees for this project.

8. I am now one of two representatives from the parish council attending the Mariner’s Hall committee in my role as parish councillor alongside Cllr Martin Shobrook, the deputy chair of Beer parish council.

9. I remain on the Save Seaton Hospital working group and commend all members of the group on their ongoing efforts to save Seaton Hospital and to promote it as a multi-functioning health hub. We have the unequivocal support of our county councillor, Paul Arnott and our local MP, Richard Foord.

10. It is a privilege to be a member of Beer parish council who have the best interests of the village at heart and to be welcomed and to work closely with Branscombe parish council who also are committed to achieving the best outcomes for Branscombe. Both villages are fortunate to have two parish councils who put the needs of the villages first and centre.

02/08/2025

As some of you may be aware I have been supporting and advocating for the tenants of the Peazen Flats for over 10-months to facilitate repairs and renovations and am very pleased to have finally reached an accord with EDDC that is positive.
The road leading off Townsend to the Youth Hostel (Bovey Lane) will be repaired by the end of August and the potholes filled in.
After a lot of extensive and continuous lobbying from me and some tenants EDDC have agreed to do comprehensive repairs and renovations to the Peazen Flats.
The schedule of works will include:
• Replacing windows.
• Cavity wall insulation.
• External rendering & redecoration.
• Drainage repairs following surveys.
• Reroofing.
• Damp & mould remediation.
• Provision of cardon dioxide detection.
• Provision of environmental sensors in the management of damp & mould with the potential for early detection and remediation.
• Upgrading the fire detection and alarm systems within flats to Grade D LD1 standard in accordance with BS 5839-6 including smoke detection in each room and heat detection in kitchens.
• Kitchen upgrades to all 16 properties and offering colour choices for floor coverings, kitchen units, worktops and wall tiling.
This is a fantastic result and shows the benefits of being resilient and a pain in the a**e. As your district councillor it is my duty and obligation to bat for all residents and ensure you have the best outcomes that can be achieved.
I thank and commend the current housing officers of EDDC for listening and acting upon the multitude of concerns raised about the flats and I am happy to report improved communication and a real desire on the part of the council to address the historical and ongoing concerns. Whilst recent and after continuous efforts, this is a significant improvement and development in councillor and tenant communications and is a significant result.
Best wishes,
John
District Councillor John Heath

15/07/2025

BI-MONTHLY REPORT JUNE/JULY 2025 FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HEATH,
BEER & BRANSCOMBE

 The water leak outside the public toilets on Jubilee Hardstanding is due to be repaired on 23 July. My thanks to the Streetscene manager for organising this. My thanks to members of Beer Horticultural Society for raising this as an ongoing concern.
 A schedule of repairs and refurbishments has been identified for the Peazen Flats. Contractor estimates are now being progressed and will include replacement windows, re-roofing, cavity wall insulation, drainage repairs, external rendering and redecoration, damp and mould remediation and finally pothole repairs to Bovey Lane from the turning off from Townsend to the entrance to the youth hostel (within 28-days). Work due to commence late summer/early autumn. Officers have accepted that communications with tenants and me needs to improve which is a positive thing. Officers will keep me and the tenants updated by way of newsletters and periodic meetings.
 I am a volunteer at Beer Foodsave. Please feel free to attend every Tuesday at 11.30am at Mariners Hall. You can also speak to me direct about any issues you need support over.
 Please contact me if there are any issues that need addressing with regard to EDDC land, properties, facilities and resources. I am here to support and advocate for residents.

20/06/2025

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT MAY-JUNE 2025 – BEER, BRANSCOMBE & WEST SEATON
1. I have contacted EDDC regarding two empty 3-bed social housing properties in West Underleys Nos 33 & 37. These need to be refurbished and made habitable for local families. Both are suffering from subsidence, and I have been advised by EDDC Housing they have been sent for tender.
2. EDDC is refurbishing and renovating No8 Hillside in Branscombe and this also preferably needs to be let to a local family once the works have been completed.
3. I have asked for reports on the Peazen Flats under FOI – these include an independent surveyor’s report from Jan 2025 and a roofing contractor’s report from 13 May. I am meeting senior housing officers provisionally on 10 July to ascertain the plans for repairs and renovation of Peazen Flats.
4. DCC has agreed to pay for elders and other vulnerable people cut off by the sinkhole between Branscombe church and the Fountain Head to receive taxi services (paid for by DCC) if the sinkhole is going to take more than a few days to repair.
UPDATE:
East Devon District Council’s Cabinet has taken a key step forward to progress the Seaton Hole Coast Protection Scheme by approving upfront investment.
At an extraordinary full council meeting on 18 June, EDDC councillors recommended approval of up to £673,500 funding to give the best chance of progressing the rock purchase and delivery this year. However, risks such as barge availability, weather and sea state mean that the timing of the scheme is not guaranteed. The decision is critical to help reduce delays and cost increases. The proposed scheme aims to reduce coastal erosion at Seaton Hole, minimising the risk of cliff falls. The project includes increasing the volume of existing rock armour at the base of the cliffs, upgrading gabion baskets, and maintaining the current seawall.
Financial Challenges and Timing Constraints
Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Grant in Aid funding of £2.227 million has already been approved by the Environment Agency. However, to meet EDDC’s current programme, 7,000 tonnes of rock must be delivered by sea by September.
Cllr Geoff Jung, EDDC Portfolio Holder for Environment – Operational, said:
"To minimise the risk of coastal erosion at Seaton Hole, we are pushing hard to deliver this vital scheme during this financial year. It is not uncommon for large coastal schemes, such as this, to progress with some 'at risk' spending while admin procedures to accept the assured Government funding catch up, and this is expected by July. 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.”
Cllr Paul Arnott, EDDC Leader, said:
"I’m very pleased to be able to give my backing to this urgent work to protect Seaton and I want to thank local residents for their patience with any disruptions it may cause."
Next Steps
The funding will allow EDDC to secure the required rock and arrange delivery by ship, helping to ensure work can begin. East Devon District Council is confident planning permission will be granted, as no major issues were raised during the pre-application process.
For more information on the project, please read the Cabinet report: Seaton Coast Protection Scheme.pdf.
democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk
democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk

30/04/2025

I want to thank all those who have backed me during my campaign to become county councillor for Seaton & Colyton. Your support means a huge amount to me. I have received many positive responses on the doorstep during the past few weeks of leafleting and people really are getting behind me as an independent who will work across political parties to ensure you get the best representation I can offer. I represent you, not a political party.

29/04/2025

The County Council is responsible for vital areas of our lives. The election on 1 May is your opportunity to vote for the best candidate to represent you in it's decision making.
Promoted by John Heath, 2 Brooklyn Villas, Beer, EX12 3JJ.

28/04/2025

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT APRIL/MAY 2025 – JOHN HEATH, INDEPENDENT BEER, BREANSCOMBE & WEST SEATON
1. I am continuing to advocate for tenants in social housing in Beer & Branscombe regarding damp & mould issues which are severe in Beer’s social housing complex.
2. Sent 14 April from EDDC: Dear Seaton BMP Advisory Group Member
Please find below an update from the Engineering Team for your information.
“We would like to share an update on the Seaton Sea Defence scheme.
The project team will shortly be submitting the planning application (along with the required notices) for the construction works. We are continuing to finalise and secure the funding for the project, still with the aim of undertaking the construction in 2025. Once funding has been confirmed, the preferred bidder (contractor) can be formally appointed. We have also applied for the required MMO (Marine Management Organisation) licence to be able to undertake the works. The construction window will be dependent on rock availability and delivery timings which can only be confirmed once the contractor is appointed. There is the possibility that this may require some summer working. This would require careful consideration to minimise disturbance.
We plan to arrange a stakeholder meeting once the contractor has been formally appointed, and details can be confirmed and shared. In the meantime, we want to keep you up to date with the current position and look forward to sharing the latest project details with you in due course.
If you have any queries, please email [email protected]”
3. I will be supporting Branscombe Parish Council to apply for ownership of the garages at the back of the Branoc Hall.
4. I have been supporting an elderly resident in Branscombe with issues over the installation delay for a Smart meter and have liaised with her energy supplier to try to resolve this problem.
5. Please don’t forget to vote on Thursday 1 May 2025 in the Devon County Council election. Whoever you vote for you have the opportunity to elect a candidate of your choice who you will consider best represents you at county level.

27/04/2025

Seaton & Coly Valley loves an independent candidate. It’s a fact!
In the 2021 Devon County Council election the Conservatives won by a whisker beating the then independent candidate by a mere 55 votes. The Lib Dems came a sorry third.
History was repeated in 2023 in the EDDC election (Beer & Branscombe ward) when the Conservatives came second and the Lib Dems third.
The mood on the doorstep is one of dissatisfaction with party politics and positivity for an independent.
Help me bring change to Devon County Council by voting for me, John Heath, INDEPENDENT, on 1 May.
Promoted by John Heath, Brooklyn Villas, Beer, Seaton EX12 3JJ

23/04/2025

Action, not words. That is one of my key principles. I respond to all enquiries in a timely manner and will always do my best to support, advise and advocate on behalf of you as individuals and groups as and when required. This area needs a county councillor who will bat for you and ensure your voice is heard, especially concerning social services, health, education and highways. If you choose to elect me as your County Councillor, I will be committed to doing the very best for all who live in Seaton & Colyton ward as I have done as the District Councillor for Beer, Branscombe & west Seaton.

I strongly believe that national party politics has no place at local government level. It simply creates division and distrust rather than encouraging collaboration and cooperation. Elected councillors should be free to do their best for their community without a party whip behind them telling them how, when and what to vote on. 20 years ago, the Nolan Principles were published. They comprise honesty, integrity, objectivity, accountability, selflessness, openness, and leadership. Those are the rules I endeavour to abide by in all that I do as a public servant and were principles I followed as a social work practitioner, manager and social services inspector. They are not just words - they are the very foundation of what it means to be an independent local councillor. Others may choose to ignore them; I choose to follow them. I would also add another quality to that list which is humility as I realise that I am accountable to you.

Being a ‘young retiree’ and still, thankfully, physically fit, I have a lot of energy to spare to work tirelessly on behalf of my communities.

Through my career working for county councils, as a businessman, and through my councillor duties, I recognise how the three different tiers of Council (Parish, District & County) can work better together to provide improved public services to all who live, work and play here.

Regardless of the outcome of this County Council election, I will continue to work tirelessly with my district and parish council colleagues. I want to ensure that all three tiers of local council can work in a truly joined up and collaborative way for the first time in a very long time, all in the sole interest of Seaton & Colyton area.

Please consider me with your vote at the Devon County Council elections on May 1st Because You Deserve Better than what has gone before.

If you would like to know more about me and what I represent, or if you think you can help me with my campaign, please feel free to get in touch with me using the contact info below, drop me a message, use the comments section or book a meeting with me.

I am looking forward to meeting you! You can contact me at [email protected] or on Facebook messenger under John Heath & District Councillor John Heath. I am self-promoting my campaign – John Heath, Fore St, Beer EX12 3JJ.

18/04/2025

Please see my revised video. Under the Electoral Commission any videos, leaflets and posters need to state who they are sponsored by. The political parties can fund these whereas I completely self-funded. So I have added this caveat. I offer an alternative to the mainstream parties by being independent and working solely for YOU as residents of the ward. I also believe in working across the political parties.

16/04/2025

My achievements since becoming District Councillor in May 2023
• Supported Branscombe with representations to South West Water over repairs to the drainage systems due to multiple road closures.
• Supported Branscombe social housing tenants with damp & mould issues.
• I am a Parish Councillor in Beer and contribute to Branscombe Parish Council monthly meetings.
• Supporting Branscombe Parish Council with water run off down a feeder road into the village.
• Worked with EDDC to install a new playpark at Jubilee hardstanding – the interactive pirate ship constructed in 2024 which has proved to be a great success, very popular with children up to late primary school age.
• Arranged via consultation with EDDC for installation of new track matting on Beer beach.
• Being part of the Beer Rebels who regularly tidy up the Jubilee gardens. We are a great team of committed volunteers.
• Supporting cafes on Beer beach with resolving conflicts with EDDC including increasing track matting, waste bins at strategic points and business parking.
• Supporting EDDC installing netting on the western side of Beer beach to prevent rock falls and to mitigate against erosion.
• Arranging with EDDC engineering works to control flood water run off onto Beer beach.
• Facilitating improvements to Beer Head car park.
• Facilitating improvements to Beach Court car park pedestrianised area. Both of the above in consultation with EDDC officers.
• Making various referrals to South West Water over sewage dumping at Seaton Hole. The Sewage Treatment Works at Bunts Lane has now been repaired due, in part, to my intervention. However, sewage run off remains a concern as it does across all our coastal regions.
• Intervention to ensure the wall at the top of Berry Hill has been repaired.
• Arranged for rubbish to be cleared from a garden in Underleys.
• Arranged with the input from Streetscene for the closed cemetery in Beer to be cut back and tidied up.
• Supporting and advising residents and Beer Sailing Club with planning applications.
• Organising the formation of a Seaton Area Youth Group which is due to start in the autumn of this year.
• Keeping residents in all three areas i.e., Beer, Branscombe & West Seaton informed of my work through monthly or bi-monthly newsletters.
• Being a volunteer member of Beer Foodsave.
• Being a member of Save Seaton Hospital Working Group.
• Being a member of Seaton Beach Management Forum.
• Supporting tenants in social housing in Beer with damp & mould issues.
• Referring to Environmental Health about keeping rat infestation under control.
• Being available to support local businesses.
• Arranging for refuse collections from Couchill, Bunts Lane when the road was closed due to South West Water repairing the burst sewer pipe at the pumping station.
• Supporting the reopening of The Gateway Theatre in Seaton.
• Advising a resident on issues with The Chine.
• Engaging in ongoing communications with Devon NHS over their decision to cut local hearing loss service (Chime) and move it to Exeter.
• Being a vocal critic of The Bakes Estates panning application on Green Wedge land and adjacent to a flood plain on Harepath Rd. I will address EDDC Planning Committee on any future application regarding this planning application.
If I am privileged to be elected as your County Councillor on 1 May, I will commit to ensuring your views are represented. I am an ex social work inspector and manager so have an in-depth knowledge of Social Care. I also want to ensure that potholes on our roads are repaired in a timely fashion. I always endeavour to respond to residents’ concerns whether in writing or via telephone within 24-48 hours and the feedback I have received has been really positive. I am not interested in status, neither am I a career politician; I am doing this because I am one of you and I want to see my communities being in the best state they can be. I can’t guarantee success in every eventuality, but I will give it a damn good go and have no problem with conveying concerns for action to any council I am representing YOU both as individuals and as a community. I can say that all of the officers I have worked with in EDDC have been receptive to my advocacy & referrals and I have developed excellent professional relationships with a number of officers.
I will hold monthly surgeries as a County Councillor in Colyton, Seaton, Beer & Branscombe (including the communities of Colyford, Northleigh, Southleigh and Farway). If necessary, I will visit you at home to see how I can help.
With all best wishes,
John
District Councillor John Heath
Independent – Beer, Branscombe & West Seaton
Your only INDEPENDENT candidate for County Councillor, Seaton & Colyton Ward

Address

Beer
Beer
EX123JJ

Telephone

+447966089257

Website

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