Bickington school faces fresh wait after councillors back riverside site
Greater Horseshoe School has won support for its Chipley Mill site near Bickington, but a further planning process means the council cannot yet grant permission
A Devon school has won council backing to continue using its riverside farm despite warnings that flooding at the site poses a “risk to life”, but planning permission cannot yet be granted.
Members of Teignbridge Council’s planning committee voted almost unanimously to support the Greater Horseshoe School, which uses land at Chipley Mill near Bickington as a satellite site from its main base at Heathfield.
They decided that the benefits provided by the school, which provides specialist education for some of Devon’s most vulnerable children, outweighed the risks posed by flooding from the nearby River Lemon.
The Environment Agency had recommended refusal of the application, while council officers told the committee there was a “risk to life” from flooding, which they said could become more likely as the climate changes.
The school, however, outlined contingency plans, including measures to evacuate the low-lying site or not open it at all if flooding was predicted.
Headteacher Peta Hewitt said the safety of the students, many of whom were on a “final chance” of education, was the number one priority.
“The children are taught to treat the river with respect,” she said. “This location is a lifeline for vulnerable and complex young people in Devon and their families.”
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Cllr Phil Bullivant (Con, Bradley) told the meeting: “In a different location we would be shouting from the rooftops about the service this school provides.”
However, the council cannot yet grant planning permission for the school to use the farm because the committee’s decision went against the advice of the Environment Agency.
The council must now refer the application to Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
She could call for a public inquiry or hearing, as well as asking for further written evidence.
A spokesperson for Teignbridge Council said: “The council cannot issue planning permission until this process is complete, which will include forwarding the agreed planning conditions that help mitigate any impacts the development may have.
“These include flood risk, ecology and travel to the site.”