Homes plan could help Devon community’s village hall dilemma

A Devon community’s village hall dilemma could be solved by a small plan for five homes that offers a potentially enticing incentive.

The proposal for five on land north of Hazel Grove, in Rockbeare, may seem like a small plan even for a village, but its suggestion of also offering a site for a village hall means it packs more of a punch.
Applicant Cyril Emmett wants to create five two-storey homes that would mimic the style of existing nearby properties on land that has now been redesignated out of the area’s flood zone.
But the standout feature of the plans relate to the provision of land for a new community building, which would be built by the parish council.
At present, Rockbeare uses a village hall built in 1925 and owned by Rockbeare Manor Estate.
But Bell Cornwall, the agent for the applicant, states that a lease between the charity that oversees the hall and the estate expired over 18 months ago.
With no new agreement, the future of the hall is uncertain, and the lack of a formal tenancy means the village hall committee cannot apply for charitable funding or government grants, and the parish council is legally restricted from providing public funds to entities or facilities that it has no legal interest in.
“These constraints severely limit the ability to improve or modernise the existing facility,” Bell Cornwell said in planning documents submitted to East Devon District Council this week.
“While structurally sound, the current hall does not adequately meet the needs of a growing and diverse rural community.
“It consists solely of a single-use space, a kitchen, and toilet facilities. Storage is minimal, with limited access to dedicated space for regular users such as the Little Ducklings playgroup, which occupies the hall several days each week.”
Bell Cornwell added the village hall was oversubscribed and scheduling conflicts have hindered some groups from using it.
“There is no space for smaller informal groups or clubs to meet without incurring a rental charge, which many unconstituted or informal groups cannot afford,” Bell Cornwell added.
“The lack of accessible, casual meeting spaces acts as a barrier to social inclusion, especially for older residents, new parents, and young people.”
It added its proposed building would be designed as a flexible, multi-use space, incorporating a large hall capable of being partitioned to accommodate multiple user groups at the same time, increasing its availability and reducing timetable conflicts.
The document even states the building could “potentially include a café or small community shop, which the village currently lacks.
Bell Cornwell added the building “represents a much-needed community hub for Rockbeare parish”.
“It will provide a modern, accessible, and parish-owned space for social, recreational, and practical use,” it said.
“By offering a combination of hall space, café, and shop, the facility will help to strengthen community ties, combat social isolation, and enhance local services, delivering long-term benefits for residents across all age groups.”
East Devon District Council’s planning committee is likely to scrutinise the application in the coming months, unless a decision is delegated to planning officers to make.