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Teignmouth petrol station seeks round the clock opening with no limits

Lewis Clarke
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Teignmouth petrol station seeks round the clock opening with no limits

A petrol station in Teignmouth could begin operating 24 hours a day under new proposals submitted to the local planning authority, with the applicant arguing there are no existing restrictions preventing round-the-clock trading.

The application, submitted by Motor Fuel Group, seeks a Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed 24-hour opening of the Morrisons petrol station on Newfoundland Road. The submission does not propose any physical changes to the site, but instead asks the council to formally confirm that extended opening hours would be lawful.

According to the planning statement, the request has been made under Section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to determine whether “the proposed 24 hour opening of Morrisons Petrol Station Teignmouth would be lawful”.

The document explains that a review of the site’s planning history identified a previous major application (reference 11/02074/MAJ), which approved the development of a foodstore, petrol filling station and associated infrastructure. However, the applicant states that no conditions were attached to that permission restricting opening hours.

“It appears from the local planning authority public records that there have been no planning applications granted with conditions that restrict opening hours of the petrol station,” the statement says.

As a result, the applicant argues that the current operating hours are effectively unrestricted by planning conditions and are “by default”. The submission continues that, in the absence of any formal limitation, there is “no evidence to establish that opening hours have been restricted in the process of granting planning permission for the petrol station”.

The application relies heavily on planning records held by the council, noting that “evidence of the grant of planning permission is generated by the council and recorded on their planning portal,” and that these records have been used to support the case.

No specific public objections, environmental concerns or council responses are detailed within the submitted planning statement. The document focuses solely on the legal planning position regarding opening hours rather than assessing wider impacts such as noise, traffic or effects on nearby residents.

Under the lawful development certificate process, the council must assess whether the proposal is legally permissible based on existing planning permissions and evidence. The statement notes that if there is no evidence to contradict the applicant’s case, and it is “sufficiently precise and unambiguous”, there is “no good reason to refuse the application”.

Cullompton ABN workers left in limbo as union raises redundancy fears

Devon Today
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Cullompton ABN workers left in limbo as union raises redundancy fears

Workers at ABN’s Cullompton animal feed factory are being left in limbo as Unite steps up pressure on the company to reveal whether jobs are at risk after the loss of a major contract.

The union said staff at the Devon site are among more than 500 workers across five ABN factories in the UK who could face redundancy, but still do not know what the future holds.

ABN employs mill operatives, drivers and engineers at sites in Yorkshire, Devon, Lancashire, Oxfordshire and Cumbria.

Unite said the uncertainty followed ABN being told in April 2025 that it had lost a large contract to supply feed to 2 Ag, formerly 2 Sisters, which chose to have the feed produced by its own mills.

The union said TUPE regulations did not apply and no workers transferred to 2 Ag.

In discussions with Unite, the company admitted it had been “arrogant and complacent” in how it treated customers, according to the union.

Unite said its members had been hearing rumours for months, but the company did not inform the union until August and September that there may be a problem. It added that it was not until November that it learned the scale of the issue.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “ABN is treating its workers with contempt. Dedicated workers should not be treated in this manner. ABN must come clean and tell workers what the future holds.”

The union said it has met the company several times since then, but still has no clarity on the timescales for decisions.

It said this was leaving members at sites including Cullompton with no idea whether they will remain with ABN, move to another employer or lose their jobs.

Adrian Jones, Unite national officer, said: “One of our reps has over 42 years’ service and feels totally let down by the company as it is now just not bothering. ABN is not a small company – it is part of Associated British Foods that also owns Primark. A firm of this size should be able to do the right thing for its workforce and have the decency to be transparent about their futures.

“We are demanding that the company sets clear deadlines for decisions to be made and to support our members properly. We believe that the company don’t want to pay for redundancies so are holding onto workers so they will go to another company and be their problem. Unite will not stand for such behaviour.”

Unite said Cullompton is one of a number of ABN sites currently “on the market”, alongside Sherburn AD Plant, Bury, Enstone and Langwathby.

The union added that Flixborough has already seen a reduction in staff through voluntary redundancy.

Other ABN sites not currently affected are Walsingham, Sherburn Mill, Northallerton, Flixborough and Cupar.

For more information, visit unitetheunion.org.

North Devon visit highlights pressure on abuse support services

Devon Today
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North Devon visit highlights pressure on abuse support services

North Devon MP Ian Roome today welcomed Jess Phillips MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, to North Devon for a series of visits with local organisations supporting children, women and survivors of abuse, as well as a meeting with Devon and Cornwall Police.

The visit followed a meeting Ian Roome MP had with the Minister last year to discuss support services for survivors across North Devon, and provided an opportunity to highlight local community work and the challenges facing safeguarding and support services in the area.

Minister Jess Phillips and Ian Roome MP visited The Women’s Safety Hub, a joint project between North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA) and Encompass, and met with organisation leads to discuss work around women’s refuge provision, domestic abuse support and homelessness services for women in North Devon.

They also heard from Surviving Abuse North Devon (SAND) about the charity’s counselling support for survivors of abuse and the pressures around resourcing and funding. This year marks SAND’s 10th anniversary, and the organisation remains the first specialist private support service of its kind in the area.

North Devon’s MP also organised a sit-down meeting with a Detective Inspector and the Domestic Abuse Investigation Manager in Devon and Cornwall Police to discuss the challenges facing the police response to safeguarding cases involving women and girls. Ian Roome reported that discussions included the pressures within the criminal justice system and the impact of long waits on victims, with officers highlighting that individuals are less likely to remain engaged in the justice process the longer they are forced to wait.

The day also included a visit to Blue Elephant Childcare, where they met staff and children in a residential setting and saw first-hand how a positive care home environment can support children and young people.

North Devon’s Liberal Democrat MP, Ian Roome, said: “I was very thankful for Jess Phillips making the time in her busy schedule to come down to North Devon so I could introduce her to some of the organisations and professionals doing vital work to support children, women and survivors across our communities.

“In North Devon, we are fortunate to have fantastic local services making a real difference. But it’s clear that these organisations are working under significant pressure, so it was important to bring the Minister down to hear directly from those on the frontline.

“We had lots of discussions about the challenges around funding, delays in the wider justice system, and the need for better education around these issues in schools. I will keep pressing Ministers to put real funding behind these services, as they make a real difference in our community.”

Barnstaple man missing since April identified after coastal remains found

Devon Today
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Barnstaple man missing since April identified after coastal remains found

The search for a missing man has ended in tragedy after human remains found along the North Devon coast were identified as those of Ryan Miller.

Ryan, 44, from Barnstaple, had been reported missing in April 2025.

Human remains were later found at the end of Westward Ho! Beach and on the coastline at Appledore on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Ryan’s family have been informed following the identification of the remains.

His death is being treated as non-suspicious.

An inquest into the circumstances surrounding Ryan’s death will take place in due course.

New North Devon venue Crowbar rises from loss to open its doors

Devon Today
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New North Devon venue Crowbar rises from loss to open its doors

A long-awaited venue shaped by friendship, loss and determination is preparing to welcome its first guests, promising a new kind of social space built on quality, atmosphere and connection.

Crowbar, a project years in the making, will open its doors in North Devon after an extensive transformation of a once-derelict building into a rustic, characterful setting focused on food, drink and community.

The building was purchased in 2021 by Ian Gibb, who said the site immediately stood out to him despite having no clear plan at the time.

Ian said: “The building was just one of those places that just stops you in your tracks. I did not know exactly what it would become, but I knew it had to be something.”

The idea for Crowbar developed through conversations between Ian and two close friends, Quint and Bert, who shared a vision for a different kind of venue in the area.

Ian said: “We kept coming back to the same thought. Quint ran his own gin distillery, Bert craved a microbrewery, and I enjoyed cooking on open fire, and had this unused derelict building.

“We all agreed that we need more places for grown-ups, somewhere with proper seasonal food, locally brewed drinks, a cosy feel, and no big screens.

“Somewhere where people could really connect and just enjoy being.”

The venue’s name draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Looking west from Northam, the sandbank known as the Bar has long challenged mariners, while to the east, Crow Point’s lighthouse has guided vessels safely to shore.

Ian said the combination of these landmarks led to the name Crowbar, reflecting both the rugged coastline and the welcoming atmosphere the team hopes to create.

However, the journey to opening has been marked by significant challenges. Bert stepped back from day-to-day operations, remaining involved as brewer-in-residence, while sadly Quint – the much loved distiller – died unexpectedly during the project.

Ian said: “Quint was a huge part of this.

“There were moments where it felt impossible to carry on without him.

“But in the end, finishing Crowbar became something we had to do, for him as much as for ourselves.”

To bring the project to completion, Ian assembled a team including Mark and Janine, formerly of The Yard in Appledore, known locally for their focus on quality food and hospitality.

Mark said: “From the moment we got involved, it just felt right.

“Ian had created the heart of the place. We have just helped bring it into focus.

“There is a real sense of purpose here.”

Janine added: “It has been a true team effort.

“Not just us, but everyone behind the scenes, the chefs, the front-of-house staff, and all the people who have believed in what this could be.”

Local builders, tradespeople and supporters have also played a role in transforming the building, contributing to what Ian described as a community-led effort.

Ian said: “We could not have done this without them.

“So many people gave their time, their skills, and their support.

“It really does feel like something the whole community has had a hand in.”

Crowbar will offer seasonal, locally sourced food cooked over open flames, alongside a selection of gin, cocktails and craft beers. There are also plans to introduce a small on-site microbrewery, continuing Bert’s original ambition.

Ian said: “It is about quality without pretence.

“A place where you can come for a quiet drink, a great meal, or a long evening with friends and family and feel completely at home.

“Dogs are welcome too.”

Doors are set to open on Friday, April 3, as the team prepares to welcome its first visitors and begin the next chapter of the project.

Ian said: “We have built something we are really proud of.

“It has not been easy, but it has been worth it.

“Now we just want people to come in, enjoy it, and make it their own.”

Bookings are available via www.crowbarltd.co.uk.

Plymouth City Council parking charge plans face growing criticism

Devon Today
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Plymouth City Council parking charge plans face growing criticism

Local Conservative candidates in Plymouth have criticised proposals to introduce new parking charges after a response from Plymouth City Council confirmed there are no specific plans to improve car parks.  

The response was sent to Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, who had raised concerns on behalf of residents about the impact of proposed charges at coastal car parks.  

The Council confirmed it is considering introducing charges at locations including Jennycliff and Mount Batten, where drivers would get one hour free before being charged £2 to stay longer.  

However, in the same response, the Council admitted that there is no dedicated programme in place to improve these car parks, raising concerns that residents will have to pay more without clear investment in facilities.  

More than 200 residents who responded to Miss. Smith’s survey said that any new parking charges should be matched by improvements to the condition of car parks, highlighting strong local concern about the proposals. Local Conservative candidates say this highlights a wider issue with Labour’s approach to parking across the city.  

Rebecca Smith MP said: “This response confirms that Labour-run Plymouth City Council is looking to introduce new parking charges at places like Jennycliff and Mount Batten, but without any clear plans to improve the car parks themselves.  

Residents will find it hard to understand why they are being asked to pay more, while the Council admits there is no programme in place to upgrade these facilities.  

These proposals are part of a wider package of parking charge hikes across Plymouth, which will impact residents, visitors and local businesses.  

People deserve better than higher charges without better services.”  

Dr John Mahony, the Conservative candidate for Plymstock Radford in the May local elections added:  

“As a former Plymstock GP for over thirty years, I know how important access to the sea is for local residents’ health and wellbeing. Jennycliff and Mount Batten are hugely valued by local residents, families and visitors. 

From what residents are telling me, one hour simply isn’t long enough to properly enjoy these spaces or support local businesses. A free period of at least three hours is the minimum most people would find acceptable. 

People want to see these spaces properly maintained and improved, not used as a cash cow. It’s clear the council needs to rethink these plans and listen to local people.” 

The Council also confirmed that no final decision has yet been made, with a formal consultation expected.  

Miss. Smith and local Conservative candidates are encouraging residents to take part and make their views known using Rebecca’s survey here: www.rebecca-smith.org.uk/news/rebecca-launches-survey-have-your-say-plymouths-parking-charges.

Final week to see Knife Angel in Plymouth as thousands visit landmark

Plymouth City Council
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Final week to see Knife Angel in Plymouth as thousands visit landmark

There is just one week to go before the Knife Angel leaves Plymouth and residents are being encouraged to visit the national monument while they still can.

Since its arrival earlier this month, the 27‑foot sculpture has attracted thousands of people to the Piazza and helped spark a powerful, citywide conversation about knife crime, its impact, and what more can be done to prevent violence.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “The response to the Knife Angel’s visit has been extraordinary. Thousands of people have come to see it, hundreds of young people have taken part in educational sessions, and dozens of community groups, charities and partners have hosted events, workshops and conversations. I want to thank everyone who helped make this visit possible – your commitment shows what can be achieved when Plymouth comes together.

“Education is one of the most important ways we can prevent people from carrying knives, and the real work starts now. We must keep this momentum going.”

Over the past few weeks, the sculpture has been the focus of an extensive series of educational activities across schools and youth settings, with hundreds of children learning about the consequences of knife crime and how to make safer choices. Community groups and local organisations have also played a major part, running events, talks and support sessions that have helped deepen public understanding and connection to the issue.

A closing ceremony has been organised to mark the end of the visit on the 27 March at 5pm – at the Knife Angel.  

The Council is now asking anyone who has visited the Knife Angel or taken part in associated events to complete a short survey. Insights will help shape future anti‑violence work and ensure the momentum created by the sculpture’s visit continues.

Take the survey here

The Knife Angel remains on the Piazza until 30 March and the Council is encouraging people to make the most of the final week.

Cigarette butts crackdown launched in Torquay with football backing

Devon Today
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Cigarette butts crackdown launched in Torquay with football backing

Keep Britain Tidy, in partnership with Torbay Council and its public service maintenance provider SWISCo, has launched a new initiative in Torquay to tackle cigarette butts, the most common and often overlooked form of litter in the UK. The campaign aims to educate adults who smoke to discard their cigarette butts properly.

Torquay United Football Club is supporting the initiative, delivering campaign messaging and distributing ‘Butt Boxes’ (Keep Britain Tidy’s portable, reusable, and fire-proof ashtrays) at six of its games over a two-month period. The game against Chesham FC on 14th March saw a special photo moment as the team’s beloved mascot Gilbert ran a little protest on the pitch before the match to deliver the important message that cigarettes are rubbish and should be disposed of correctly to keep Torquay clean and butt-free.

Gilbert’s protest at the TUFC match

The campaign in town combines digital and billboard advertising, the placement of smoking bins in litter hotspots, free Butt Boxes available at local businesses, and clear messaging in high-footfall areas such as pubs and local events. Residents and businesses are showing their support with window and car stickers. So far, over 50 businesses have joined the initiative, and more than 7,000 Butt Boxes have been distributed. The level of local involvement reflects the community’s strong pride in the town and the desire to take action.

These efforts address a significant awareness gap: many smokers don’t see cigarette butts as litter and so 80% of cigarettes smoked out and about are improperly disposed of, resulting in millions being littered every day across the UK.

While cigarette litter is a national issue, it has particular relevance in Torquay, where smoking rates are 22% higher than in surrounding areas.

Butt boxes being handed out to Torquay residents

The Torquay initiative forms part of Keep Britain Tidy’s wider programme of Town Scale Partnerships aimed at reducing cigarette litter. The approach combines public messaging with practical solutions to help shift behaviours and prevent cigarette litter, building on progress that has already seen a 17% reduction of cigarette butts on the ground across the country.

Torquay could serve as a vital model for other towns facing similar challenges, demonstrating how a local and targeted approach can make a significant difference in tackling the UK’s most prevalent litter problem, and the havoc it wreaks on our environment.

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy said: “Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the country, and the impact on our environment, our community, and our public services is bigger than most people realise. The solution isn’t just cleaning, it’s prevention. By working with Torbay Council, SWISCo, and Torquay United FC, we’re tackling the issue head-on through education and behaviour change, encouraging people to bin their cigarette butts before they become litter.”

Butt boxes being handed out in Torquay town centre

Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “One of Torbay Council’s flagship priorities is our Operation Brighter Bay initiative — a commitment to presenting Torbay at its very best and creating a safe, clean, attractive and welcoming environment for our residents and visitors.

‘‘Tackling litter is at the heart of Operation Brighter Bay. That’s why we’re investing more into street cleansing and we are proud to be part of the ‘Cigarette Butts are Rubbish’ campaign. By working with partners such as Keep Britain Tidy, we can deliver improvements to our streets and town centres that deliver real, practical benefits for our local communities.’’

Neil Coish, Head of Environmental Services at SWISCo said: “Cigarette butts are one of the most persistent offenders on our streets, yet many people still don’t view them as ‘real’ rubbish and so we see them littered on the pavements, in planters, and down drains, unaware that they can cause significant environmental harm. Partnering with Keep Britain Tidy allows us to provide practical solutions like Butt Boxes and clear messaging to help people understand they are litter and encourage them to dispose of them responsibly.”

New life lines Dartmoor field as thousands of hedgerow plants go in

Devon Today
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New life lines Dartmoor field as thousands of hedgerow plants go in

A historic landscape is being stitched back together with thousands of new plants, as a community-driven project aims to turn the tide on decades of environmental decline.

A new hedgerow has been planted at Jubilee Field in Princetown, Dartmoor, with the aim of boosting biodiversity and supporting long-term nature recovery. The initiative brought together the Duchy of Cornwall, environmental charity Moor Trees, local volunteers and young people from the 1st Plympton Scout Group.

Around 2,400 hedging plants have been established along an existing 500-metre hedge bank forming two sides of the field. The work took place over three volunteer days and was completed on Friday, March 21.

21.03.2026
Princetown hedgerow tree planting
Copyright Moor Trees
1st Plympton Scout Group

Jubilee Field is widely used for recreation and had already begun reverting to lowland meadow habitat, with species such as black knapweed, ox-eye daisy and orchids present. Lowland meadow has declined by more than 97% over the past 100 years, while around half of the UK’s hedgerow has been lost in the last 75 years. The project aims to help reverse that decline locally by enhancing habitats and improving meadow management.

The scheme was supported by more than £10,000 in funding from the Duchy of Cornwall. A mix of traditional and native hedgerow species has been planted, including hawthorn, blackthorn, alder buckthorn, spindle and crab apple, chosen to provide pollen, shelter and food sources throughout the year.

The planting was carried out using biodegradable guards, stakes and ties instead of plastic materials, allowing them to break down naturally over time and reduce environmental impact.

Emma Magee, head of communities and nature for Dartmoor at the Duchy of Cornwall, said: “The Duchy is committed to supporting nature recovery across its communities.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Moor Trees and local volunteers to get trees in the ground at Jubilee Field.

“By restoring hedgerows we are supporting biodiversity, helping people connect with nature, and creating habitat that will benefit both people and wildlife for years to come.”

Jubilee Fields
March 2026
Princetown hedgerow planting

Dave Lewis, operations manager for Moor Trees, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the 1st Plympton Scouts, their families and our other volunteers for their time and energy planting trees with Moor Trees and the Duchy of Cornwall.

“The Jubilee Field hedgerow will benefit both the local community and help to restore nature on Dartmoor.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Scouts to learn about our native tree species and new skills in creating a healthy hedgerow.

“The enthusiasm and action of these young people strengthens the community both living and spending time on the moors and helps us to breathe more life back into Dartmoor by planting native trees grown in our Community Tree Nurseries.”

Rebecca Smith, member of parliament for South West Devon, said: “I was really pleased to join members of the 1st Plympton Scout Group as they planted 500 trees to mark the 50th anniversary of their Plympton base, Cottles Lodge.

“The group was invited by the Duchy of Cornwall to join in the initiative on Dartmoor and it was fun to pop along to help.

“Projects like this show the difference a community can make when we work together, and it was great to be part of such a hands-on celebration of both our Scouts and the beautiful countryside we’re lucky to call home.”

21.03.2026
Princetown hedgerow tree planting
Copyright Moor Trees
1st Plympton Scout Group

Steve Edwards, 1st Plympton Scouts leader, said: “1st Plympton Scouts are celebrating 50 years of the building of our Scout hut.

“The chance to take our young people out on to the moors, help the environment and hopefully leave a legacy that will last another 500 years was too good to turn down.

“The Scouts thoroughly enjoy the time outside and adding to a landscape we use regularly is so rewarding and it is great to be able to give them these unique experiences.”

Small Devon school wins praise for strong community and happy pupils

Devon Today
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Small Devon school wins praise for strong community and happy pupils

A small Devon primary school is celebrating an extremely positive inspection under the new Ofsted framework, with inspectors highlighting its strong sense of community and high-quality support for pupils. 

Ofsted found that pupils at Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School thrive in a nurturing, inclusive environment where they feel part of “one big family” and enjoy coming to school. Leaders were commended for placing pupils at the heart of everything they do and for their determination to ensure every child reaches their full potential. 

The report praised the school’s well-planned curriculum, which makes effective use of its local environment to bring learning to life, alongside a wide range of opportunities that boost pupils’ enthusiasm and personal development. 

Staff were recognised for knowing pupils exceptionally well, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, who receive effective support and make strong progress. 

Inspectors also noted pupils’ positive attitudes to learning, their enjoyment of lessons, and the strong relationships across the school community, factors that contribute to good achievement and behaviour. 

Head of School, Mrs Fern de Beer, said: “We are incredibly proud that the report recognises the caring, inclusive ethos of our school and the hard work of our staff and pupils. Our aim has always been to create a place where every child feels valued and can succeed, and it is wonderful to see that reflected in this outcome.”     

Mrs de Beer continues, ‘To be able to lead a school where pupils are respectful of other cultures makes me feel privileged and proud. Pupils are fortunate to be able to access ample opportunities and undertake a variety of extra-curricular activities. They’re given many chances to develop personally and lead by example, choosing from various leadership roles, including climate ambassadors, school visionaries, and buddies, where older pupils support younger peers. We host exciting events including our pool parties and swimming galas, and offer unique activities including surfing, filmmaking and sailing.’  

Angela Jenkins, Director of Performance and Development at First Federation Trust, said, ‘The school at Aveton Gifford is well-known and highly respected within the local community, with a seamless transition from the neighbouring pre-school into Reception. Early Years education has been deemed strong by Ofsted as teaching staff lead pupils from the beginning of their journey to the end of KS2, thoughtfully, passionately and creatively, ensuring they reach a level of development that is above the national outcome. Overall, the inspection highlights a school where caring leadership, engaging teaching and a strong community ethos combine to help pupils succeed both academically and personally.’ 

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