We are delighted to be able to inform you that the planning for the four of the applications at Friends Provident have been refused. There has been approval given for the Listed Building Consent (which basically means there is permission to alter the Grade II listed properties, but East Devon District Council has refused to allow the owners to alter them according to the proposed plans).

At the time of writing, not all the reasons for refusals have been given, but we believe: the designs failed to meet the requirements stated by English Heritage; Sport England objected to the loss of the sports facilities; Natural England did not agree with the building on the Green Fields; and the proposals were outside of the East Devon Local Plan and the emerging Bishops Clyst Neighbourhood Plan.

Inevitably the developers will come back with a revised plan in the future, but for the moment, this is fantastic news for our village and puts us in a strong position moving forward. We must remain united and as a group, we would like to personally thank each and every person for all your support, letter writing and help over the past two years.

Clyst Meadows Footpath