Sidmouth Primary School pupils put their Planning hats on...

Twenty pupils from Sidmouth Primary School had a go at taking Planning decisions when they visited East Devon District Council.

The seven-year-olds, with their teacher Mrs Hammond, spent a morning at EDDC’s Knowle headquarters learning about Planning and Development as part of a school topic. They received help and guidance from council staff and from Councillor Christine Drew, EDDC Member Champion for Children and Young People (see photo).

The children had a look at current maps of Sidmouth and found where they lived, then were given maps from 80 years ago and 130 years ago and were asked to see if their homes still existed back then. Most were surprised to see that their houses disappeared as they went back in time; and their school didn’t exist 130 years ago either!

Decisions, decisions

To help show them how Planning works, they were then given a map of Sidbury and asked to try and find a place to put five new homes. The children were encouraged to think about whether they’d like to live near a shop, their school, other houses, a playground and even which areas might flood.

They were also asked for their ideas on what could be done to encourage more visitors to Sidmouth, which prompted a great debate and some very good ideas including a camping site, ice rink and adventure play park.

Councillor Drew said: “When the school asked if they could come and visit us and learn about how the built environment is created we were happy to help. I was very impressed with the children and their enthusiasm for the tasks”.

Valuable lesson learned

Sidmouth Primary teacher Mrs Hammond said: “The children have gained a valuable insight of how big decisions have to be made on how money is spent and who it would benefit from them. The children were inspired to write their ideas to the councillors the following day”.

The morning was just a small part of the work the Council undertakes to involve young people in their council and community as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. This includes getting youngsters to design play areas and flowerbeds, decide where funds should be spent on leisure and sports facilities, running inter-generational events where old and young work together, holding junior life skills events, working with young tenants, running an environmental education programme and running a Junior Ranger Club after school on the Axe Wetlands.