Major Revamp for East Devon Public Toilets

Public toilets across East Devon are undergoing major investment, with new facilities being provided at four locations, three further sites being transferred to other organisations to operate, while others will close permanently.

These changes follow a public consultation where nearly 1,300 residents shared their views on how best to spend £3.15 million of available funding.

Although not a statutory obligation, East Devon District Council (EDDC) is committed to supporting local communities and the region’s thriving tourist industry by providing high-quality toilet facilities.

Background

In 2019, EDDC spent an average of more than £15,000 per toilet block annually on the day-to-day running of its public toilets, which became unsustainable.

In 2021, the authority reviewed the situation, recognising the need for significant investment in the toilets—especially in light of the challenges of meeting new hygiene standards and providing accessible facilities. This resulted in a growing funding gap between the cost of operation and available resources.

EDDC held a public consultation, inviting feedback from residents, equalities groups, and parish and town councils on how funds should be used. Their responses helped shape decisions about which toilets to retain and where investment should be made in a sustainable way.

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country and Environment, said:

“Investment in toilet facilities is crucial to reduce running costs, with the council needing to save hundreds of thousands of pounds to balance future budgets due to rising costs and reduced government funding. It is also essential that we provide fit-for-purpose facilities that meet the expectations of our residents and visitors.”

To help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the facilities, EDDC is introducing a pay-to-use system at upgraded sites. The small charge will help cover maintenance and cleaning costs. Payments will be made using contactless methods.

EDDC also secured £243,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to provide three adult changing places facilities at Foxholes Exmouth, Seaton West Walk and Budleigh East End. These will offer essential specialist equipment for people with severe disabilities, enabling them to access toilet and welfare facilities when visiting.

Exmouth

Foxholes: Temporarily closed. New building reopening by Easter.

Magnolia Centre (London Inn), Manor Gardens, Queens Drive (Old Lifeboat): Open. Works start 1 November 2025.

Phear Park: Open. Works scheduled for a later phase.

Maer: Seasonal toilets permanently closed from 31 March 2025. Nearest alternative: Foxholes (approx 8 minute walk).

Imperial Recreation Ground: Closing from 31 March 2025. Potential reopening in 2026 pending commercial redevelopment. Nearest alternative: Station (approx 4 minute walk).

Exmouth Station: Remains open. Funding secured, but no immediate refurbishment.

Orcombe Point: Closing from April 2025. Possible reopening in 2026 with commercial redevelopment (including one accessible toilet). Nearest alternative: Foxholes (approx 8 minute walk).

Budleigh Salterton

Lime Kiln (East End): Temporarily closed. New building reopening by Easter.

Cliff Path (West End): Open. Works scheduled for a later phase.

Station Road Car Park: Open. Owned and managed by Budleigh Town Council from 1 April 2025.

Sidmouth

Connaught Gardens: Open. Works scheduled for a later phase.
Triangle: Open. Works scheduled for a later phase.

Market Place: Open. Works scheduled for a later phase.

Long Park: Open. Managed by Sidmouth Town Council.

Port Royal: Closed. New public toilet facilities now operated by Rockfish.

Honiton

Lace Walk: Temporarily closed. New building reopening by Easter.

King Street: Open. Owned and managed by Honiton Town Council from 1 April 2025.

Axe Valley (Axminster, Seaton, Beer)

West Walk, Seaton: Temporarily closed. New building reopening 30 April 2025.

Marsh Road, Seaton: Permanently closed. Site being sold. Nearest alternative: Harbour Road (within 5 minute walk).

Harbour Road, Seaton: Open. Future improvements dependent on funding. Nearest alternative: Tesco (4 minute walk, clearly signed).

Seaton Hole: Open. Operated by a commercial tenant.

West Street Car Park, Axminster: Open. Works start 1 November 2025.

Jubilee Gardens, Beer: Open. Works scheduled for a later phase.

Dolphin Street, Colyton: Open. Owned and managed by Colyton Parish Council from 1 April 2025.

Other Sites

Sidford Cross, Sidford: Permanently closed. Site being sold.

Sidbury: Permanently closed. Sale agreed.

Key Consultation Findings Supporting EDDC’s Decisions

80 per cent of respondents agreed that EDDC’s public toilets needed refurbishment due to poor condition.

58 per cent supported EDDC’s guiding principles for sustainable toilet provision.

56 per cent agreed they would pay a small charge if it meant keeping toilets open.

Nearly 40 per cent supported repurposing less-used sites for community or business use, while maintaining some public access.

Over one-third fully agreed with the proposed categorisations, acknowledging the need for change and responsible management.

This comprehensive strategy reflects resident feedback and ensures available funding is used effectively to modernise and maintain essential public toilet provision across East Devon.

For further details and FAQs, visit:
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-maintenance/public-toilets/new-public-toilets/background