Eye-catching plans lodged for Devon water tower to be converted into unique home

An unusual bid has been made to turn a disused water tower into a cylindrical home.

Plans have been submitted to convert Broadclyst Water Tower into a three-storey property, with an additional top level proposed as a viewing platform or terrace.

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The “distinctive, disused concrete tower” would become a one-bedroom home.

The land surrounding the tower would form a garden and leisure area, with vehicle access to the rear via an existing track, leading to off-street parking for up to four cars.

Drawings submitted with the application, which resemble something from a television programme about unusual homes, show that an electric vehicle charging point would also be installed.

ABOVE: External visualisation of plans for an application to turn Broadclyst Water Tower into a home (Image courtesy: Aspire Planning Solutions)

Planning documents state that the applicant, Tim Owen, wishes to “retain the existing layout and appearance of the property, with the material changes proposed being the enclosing of the structure to result in a dwelling”.

The documents also say the water tower was built in the 1940s and ceased operation in 2008.

The applicant’s agent, Neil Maud of Aspire Planning Solutions, says the site lies immediately west of Broadclyst in East Devon.

“The site is off the B3181 main road running north to south from Exeter to Cullompton,” the documents state.

“The area east of the road is heavily built up, with the site immediately outside the defined settlement of Broadclyst.

ABOVE: Layout plans for an application to turn Broadclyst Water Tower into a home (Image courtesy: Aspire Planning Solutions)

“The application site is located on the west side of the road, 380 metres from the junction with Clyst Vale Community College. 

“The east side of the road predominantly comprises residential property. To the north, south and west of the site is open countryside, while the site adjoins a small wooded area to the east.”

The documents add: “Its iconic brutalist concrete design makes for a striking landmark across the open countryside, with wide-ranging views and vistas from the site.

“The structure is approximately 16 metres tall, with panoramic views across the Devon countryside.”

It is not yet known when East Devon District Council will make a decision on the plans.