A Devon school has won council backing for its riverside farm, but the final decision now rests with the government. The Greater Horseshoe School, which uses land at Chipley Mill near Bickington as a satellite from its main site at Heathfield, received almost unanimous support from the Teignbridge Council planning committee.
The committee decided the benefits of the school, which offers some of the county's most vulnerable children a last chance at education, outweighed the risks of flooding from the nearby River Lemon. The Environment Agency had recommended refusal, and council officers warned of a potential danger to life from flooding, which could become more likely as the climate changes.
The school outlined contingency plans, including evacuating the low-lying site or closing it entirely if flooding is predicted. Head teacher Peta Hewitt said student safety was the top 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."
Cllr Phil Bullivant (Con, Bradley) told the meeting: "In a different location we would be shouting from the rooftops about the service this school provides."
However, planning permission cannot be granted yet because the committee's decision went against Environment Agency advice. The council must refer the application to Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. She could call for a public inquiry or hearing, or request more written evidence.
A Teignbridge Council spokesperson said: "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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