Small Rockbeare housing proposals could solve village hall uncertainty

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

The proposal for five homes on land north of Hazel Grove in Rockbeare may seem modest, even for a village, but its suggestion of also providing land for a new village hall gives it added significance.

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Applicant Cyril Emmett wants to build five two-storey homes designed to reflect the style of nearby properties on land that has now been redesignated out of the area’s flood zone.

However, the standout feature of the plans is the proposed provision of land for a new community building, which would be constructed by the parish council.

At present, Rockbeare uses a village hall built in 1925 and owned by Rockbeare Manor Estate.

But Bell Cornwell, the agent acting for the applicant, states that a lease between the charity overseeing the hall and the estate expired more than 18 months ago.

ABOVE: The proposed layout of the homes and village hall scheme in Rockbeare, which has been submitted for approval (Image courtesy: East Devon District Council)

With no new agreement in place, the future of the hall is uncertain. 

The lack of a formal tenancy means the village hall committee cannot apply for charitable funding or government grants, while the parish council is legally restricted from providing public funds to facilities in which it has no legal interest.

“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.

“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 that the village hall is oversubscribed, with scheduling conflicts preventing 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,” it added.

“The lack of accessible, casual meeting spaces acts as a barrier to social inclusion, especially for older residents, new parents and young people.”

The proposed new building would be designed as a flexible, multi-use space, incorporating a large hall that could be partitioned to accommodate multiple user groups at the same time.

Planning documents state the facility could also potentially include a café or small community shop, which the village currently lacks.

Bell Cornwell said the proposed 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 is expected to consider the application in the coming months, unless a decision is delegated to planning officers.