The Land and Property Committee of Devon Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to discuss the disposal of several council-owned properties. The committee resolved to declare seven properties surplus to requirements and proceed with their disposal, with one item deferred for further consideration.

Property Change Programme

The committee considered the Property Change Programme report, which outlines the council's strategy for managing its property assets. This programme aims to reduce, dispose of, retain, and repurpose council-owned land and buildings. The committee resolved to declare seven properties surplus to requirements and proceed with their disposal.

• Beech Farm, Ivybridge: This site, acquired for a highway scheme that is no longer viable, will be declared surplus. It will be offered for reacquisition to the previous owner, or disposed of on the open market if they decline. The site has derelict buildings and is 1.3 hectares in size. Councillor Tony Carson noted that the rejection of the Lee Mill slip road scheme was due to National Highways, not Devon County Council.
• Ivybridge Rugby Club Training Ground: This ground, leased to the Ivybridge Rugby Club since 2009, will be declared surplus and disposed of to the club. The club intends to invest in the site, and restrictive covenants will be included in the sale to ensure its continued use as a sports ground. Councillor Henry Gent proposed the disposal, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
• The Paddock, Mary Tavy: Consideration for the disposal of this small parcel of land was deferred to a future meeting to allow for further discussions with interested parties.
• Torridgeside Link Centre: This vacant building will be declared surplus and disposed of on the open market. The process will follow the Asset of Community Value designation, requiring notification to Torridge District Council and engagement with the community group that nominated the site. Councillor Steve Lodge questioned the process of engagement with local authorities, and Councillor Frank Biederman raised concerns about potential future housing needs. The committee voted to proceed with the disposal, with five in favour and two against.
• Former Barnstaple Link Community Centre, Forches Cross, Barnstaple: This small, uneconomical-to-repair building will be declared surplus and disposed of on the open market. It may be suitable for the development of two small terrace houses. The committee agreed to the officer's recommendation, with an addendum to inform the local authority of the site's disposal.
• Axminster Fire Station Car Park: This car park area, used by Devon and Cornwall Police for a number of years, will be declared surplus and disposed of to the Police Authority. The police intend to use it for vehicle parking and potentially for future accommodation. Councillor Richard Hopley, Clerk to Axminster Town Council, spoke in support of the disposal, highlighting its importance for the local police presence. He also raised concerns about the council's communication with lower-tier authorities regarding property disposals. The committee voted to approve the officer's recommendation.
• Former Kenton Primary School: This former school site, which was relocated following flooding in 2023, will be declared surplus and disposed of on the open market. This is subject to its release by the current academy holding the site and the Department for Education. The council owns a landlocked section of the site, which is not needed for educational purposes. Councillor Steve Lodge sought clarification on whether the Department for Education's release would remove any educational tie, which was confirmed. The committee approved the officer's recommendation.

The committee also noted a background report detailing previous disposals and anticipated future capital receipts, as well as updates on collaboration agreements for Parks Farm and Markham's Farm. The Ilfracombe Link Centre, previously declared surplus, will be retained by the council due to a change in circumstances regarding its potential transfer to Ilfracombe Town Council.