Within the Estate there are numerous potential short, medium and long-term development opportunities ranging from disused historic and farm buildings to land adjoining settlements.
Finding a viable use for such property is a long term goal for the Estate as part of our overall strategy to contribute to a vibrant and resilient community alongside sustainable land management. Furthermore, where possible, we like to help satisfy local need for both housing and commercial space. Examples of successful recent projects include:
- Conversion of Powderham Country Stores complex from redundant Marsh Farm buildings;
- Conversion of a disused Stile Farm into offices, stores and a retail cash and carry in collaboration with Matford Arable;
- Conversion of disused modern farm buildings into a light industrial/storage yard for use by Berrybrook Motors;
- Conversion of a disused traditional building to the rear of Powderham Country Stores into a veterinary practice with Milestone Vets;
- Renovation and letting of numerous Estate cottages;
- Restoration of the Belvedere Tower to allow it to be removed from Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ register.
- Repair of Powderham’s tower roofs with support of Historic England and the Historic Houses Foundation.
In addition to the above, Teignbridge District Council have recently identified two sites adjoining Kenton which they may require to help meet their obligations to provide housing and infrastructure in the period to 2040. These sites, known as Witcombe Lane and South Town, fall within the Estate’s ownership. We have been asked to offer some initial thought to how those sites could deliver housing and additional benefits, such as possible enhancements to Kenton Primary School and additional biodiversity within the village. Below are some initial plans showing hypothetical development layouts as well as greenspace and other benefits.
These provisional allocations do not constitute a planning application of any form, rather they are a dialogue with, and initiated by, our local council, which Powderham is happy to support. We understand Teignbridge will now review these provisional allocations in more detail. If they were to be progressed any further, active community engagement will be a priority for the Estate to ensure a good understanding of local need to accompany the planning process. Having participated actively in the development of Kenton’s recent and successful Neighbourhood Plan, the Estate is well aware of sensitivities and concerns and wishes to engage accordingly.
The Estate would welcome comments on these two sites and in particular what types of community benefit could be fostered, whether this be onsite or elsewhere. Should you wish to make a comment, please feel free to do so via email to our Agents: [email protected]. When submitting your email, please ensure you have the subject line as ‘Powderham – Comment on Provisional Land Allocation’ to ensure comments are collated, responded to where appropriate, and considered within any future representations or applications.
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