Development proposals for Devon country estate submitted

Proposals have been lodged detailing the construction of eight treehouses, a wellness center, office facilities, and a gymnasium within the estate of a country residence located in Devon. The developers aim to establish a tourism enterprise, incorporating additional amenities, within the wooded areas of Moreton House, situated close to Bideford. Among the proposed elements are an entrepreneurs’ hub, intended for start-up businesses, to be housed within the office structure, and a wellness center featuring rentable areas. The company stated that landscape restoration constitutes a component of the broader investment planned for the site. The applicants reported that local residents have shown “overwhelmingly supportive” attitudes, though some technical questions have arisen concerning boundary treatments and drainage systems. A conservation officer from North Devon Council indicated that while replacing the existing prefabricated classroom would be beneficial, substituting it with a larger building would necessitate justification regarding its visual effect. The officer further commented, “The introduction of lodges into this environment will erode the completeness of the current garden area and designed landscape.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the initiative seeks to restore and cultivate the landscape, alongside improving the estate’s botanical significance and historical vistas. It has been confirmed that no trees will be felled to accommodate the treehouses, and existing access routes will remain unchanged. The plans have undergone a process of pre-application consultation and a public engagement event held at Bideford Rugby Club during October. For updates from BBC Devon, connect via X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. This content is copyrighted by BBC, 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.