Devon 'lifeline' school project awaits fate

A school that won council backing for its riverside farm despite a "risk to life" warning over flooding will have to wait a bit longer to find out its fate.

Members of the Teignbridge Council planning committee voted to support the Greater Horseshoe School, which uses the land at Chipley Mill near Bickington as a "satellite" from its main site at Heathfield.

It decided benefits provided by the school outweighed the risks of the land being flooded by the nearby River Lemon.

The Environment Agency recommended refusal of the application, and council officers said there was a "risk to life" from flooding, which could become more likely as the climate changed.

The school, however, outlined its contingency plans including measures to evacuate the low-lying site or not open it at all if flooding was predicted.

Peta Hewitt, headteacher, 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."

Councillor Phil Bullivant said: "In a different location we would be shouting from the rooftops about the service this school provides."

However, the council could not yet grant planning permission for the school to use its 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 and she could call for a public inquiry or a hearing, as well as asking for more written evidence.

A spokesperson for Teignbridge Council added: "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."

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