Former Derelict School Building Eyed for Wellbeing Retreat

The building of a former boarding school in Devon, currently derelict and having closed a decade ago following a child abuse scandal, may be repurposed as a wellbeing retreat. Chelfham Mill School, located in Chelfham, close to Barnstaple, ceased operations after an investigation into the physical abuse of students, specifically concerning staff restraint techniques, was conducted there. Following a two-year investigation, a staff member from the school received a conviction for indecency involving a boy attending the institution. Growforward Project, a not-for-profit community interest company, announced its submission of a planning application to redevelop the site, stating it had “endure many years of negativity and risk surrounding this property”. The Growforward Project intends to convert the previous schoolhouse into a wellbeing and learning retreat, complemented by a watermill, an orchard area, a cafe, a bistro, a riverside deck, and an accommodation block. As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the applicants indicated that securing planning permission by February was essential for the acquisition to proceed. The team behind the project, comprising former pupils, staff, local residents, and supporters, claims to have reached an agreement to acquire the property from its current owner, the company Chelfham Mills. For updates, follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.