A FORMER architectural designer has resubmitted his own designs to East Devon District Council for its new office headquarters in the hope officials may reconsider plans to relocate to SkyPark.
Keith Konopka from Whimple is vehemently opposed to the council's bid to relocate to SkyPark, instead of centrally located Honiton, because of its position on the western fringe of the district.
In February, cabinet members selected SkyPark out of four shortlisted sites; Cranbrook town centre, two sites on Heathpark in Honiton, and Clyst House, Winslade Park at Clyst St Mary.
Deputy chief executive Richard Cohen and council leader Councillor Paul Diviani have long said the current buildings are "oversized and inefficient" and cabinet has backed the proposals to move.
But critics of the council's relocation bid, including residents and councillors, have argued that a move from Sidmouth won't be as cost-effective as council officials have stated.
And concerns have also been expressed over the viability of locating the council's headquarters on the fringe of the district.
In August, Mr Konopka submitted detailed designs of a cellular office layout, and an artist's impression of a building he thought would suit the authority's needs, ideally to be situated in Honiton.
But in a responding letter, Mr Cohen explained that the council was seeking to relocate to open-plan-style offices as it has found its current similar environment "inefficient" and "preventing best practice".
Mr Konopka has now submitted new plans of an open-plan-style building.
"The most logical place to relocate to is Honiton because it is central," said Keith.
