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Unlimited fines threat after dog attacks on sheep

Torridge District Council
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Unlimited fines threat after dog attacks on sheep

Torridge District Council is reminding dog walkers to take extra care after several recent incidents where uncontrolled dogs have disturbed wildlife and worried sheep on Northam Burrows. To help raise awareness, new signs, part‑funded by the Northam Burrows Charity, have been installed throughout the park.

Northam Burrows is a historic grazing common with livestock present year-round. Residents of the ancient manor of Northam have exercised grazing rights here for centuries, and the land continues to support a large flock of sheep alongside a small number of horses.

While dog walkers are welcome on the Burrows, the Ranger Team is urging owners to remain vigilant and keep their pets under close control near livestock, particularly during this sensitive season. Stress caused by dogs can lead to miscarriages in ewes, and lambs are especially vulnerable to attacks. Therefore, although responsible behaviour is essential all year-round, heightened care is needed to protect grazing animals and ensure the Burrows remains a safe and shared space for all.

Councillor Lyndon Piper, Lead Member for Leisure, said: “It is essential that dogs are kept under close control on the Burrows to prevent disturbance to both wildlife and grazing animals. In recent years, the introduction of signage, information leaflets, and other awareness‑raising measures has helped to significantly reduce the number of incidents. With lambing season in full swing, I would like to remind all dog walkers to continue acting responsibly and to take extra care when visiting the Burrows.”

A new law has also been recently brought in, providing stronger protection for livestock against dog attacks. The maximum penalty has increased from £1000 to an unlimited fine and police have been given powers to detain dogs believed to pose an ongoing threat to livestock. Anyone who witnesses an incident can report it to the police on 101.

Bideford meeting tackles shop theft and rural crime

Torridge District Council
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Bideford meeting tackles shop theft and rural crime

Last week, Torridge District Council welcomed Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez to Caddsdown Business Support Centre in Bideford, to meet with local representatives to discuss the policing and crime issues that affect them, as well as the latest proposals from the government about police reforms. 

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Ken James and brought together a strong turnout of attendees, including district and town councillors, business representatives from Bideford Town Centre, officers from Torridge District Council as well as officers from Devon & Cornwall Police, including street marshals and CCTV team. 

Attendees had the opportunity to discuss the local policing and crime issues and put their questions directly to Alison Hernandez.  A range of topics were covered including anti-social behaviour; drugs; the lack of visible policing/PCSO and the importance of Street Marshalls; as well as the increasing rise in shoplifting and the impact it has on trade in the town.

Discussion and debate also extended to rural crime, including the wave of thefts of tractors and football pitch mowers as well as animal rustling.

Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health & Community Safety, Torridge District Council, said: “This event provided a fantastic opportunity for members of our local community to have a constructive dialogue with the Police and Crime Commissioner, allowing for direct questions to be asked, and for issues to be raised. Policing and Crime are always matters that are close to our hearts and minds, and it was good to discuss these emotive issues in a productive way. I would like to thank Alison and her team for helping to deliver such a successful event.”

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said: “I would like to express my thanks to our Lead Member for his continuing work towards the safety of the residents of Torridge and securing this visit by the Police and Crime Commissioner. Today’s session was a useful exercise for all involved, which I hope will form the foundation blocks of a more productive and positive working relationship between all parties in the future.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner, Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “The meeting was held to help me understand the issues affecting the people of Bideford and North Devon and for me to update them on what may come next for policing with the national reforms planned. This policing area is one of the best performing areas in Devon & Cornwall Police in terms of crime and their management and leadership. 

The issues people told me they are concerned about are anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, alcohol and drugs, and violence. These are all key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan which we remain focused on, including in North Devon. 

I am really grateful to everyone who attended the meeting and look forward to working with all partners to ensure North Devon is a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Former Exeter toilets could become vegetarian street food hub

Lewis Clarke
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Former Exeter toilets could become vegetarian street food hub

A disused public toilet block at one of Exeter’s key gateway junctions could soon be transformed into a vegetarian street food outlet, under fresh plans submitted to Exeter City Council.

The application, lodged by Ahmad Hammad, seeks full planning permission for the “change of use from former public toilets to an outdoor café/hot food takeaway” at the Public Convenience site on Blackboy Road, within the Belmont Conservation Area. The building has stood vacant since the council closed the toilets in 2019.

According to the Planning Statement prepared by Base Planning Consultants, the proposal would retain and convert the existing curved, single-storey brick building rather than demolish it. The site sits on the roundabout junction of Blackboy Road and Old Tiverton Road, approximately 700 metres north-east of the city centre.

Internally, the former toilets would be reconfigured to provide “a serving area, kitchen and accessible W/C”, with no indoor customer seating proposed.

Externally, the four former entrance doors on the east elevation would be replaced with a serving hatch window, while sections of render and vertical timber cladding would be introduced. A mural is proposed for the road-facing west elevation, and anti-graffiti coating would be applied to protect the building.

Six solar panels would be installed on the existing zinc-clad roof, “arranged to follow the curvature of the roof.”

A modest, detached bin store and storage building would be constructed to the south-east of the main structure, designed to echo the original curved form and mono-pitched roof. The two buildings would be linked by a semi-circular canopy, while retaining a walkway between them.

The business, to be known as Falafelco, is described in the accompanying Business Plan as “a fresh, healthy, and entirely vegetarian street-food takeaway.”  The menu would include falafel wraps, halloumi dishes and salad boxes, with no meat products handled or sold.

The café would operate between 10am and 9pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays . Outdoor seating would be available from 10am to 8pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 6pm on Sundays and public holidays, with all furniture stored securely outside those hours.

The Planning Statement stresses that “no late-night activity is proposed and no amplified music will be played internally or externally” . It also states that, “by virtue of the nature of the intended use there is no requirement for any external extraction equipment.”

Refuse and recycling would be stored within the new structure and presented for collection on designated days . The Business Plan adds that bins would be presented “strictly outside of business operating hours and peak pedestrian times.”

A CCTV camera and burglar alarm are proposed “in effort to prevent fear of crime at and near to The Site.”

The site lies within the Belmont Conservation Area and near to several listed buildings, including St Anne’s Almshouses and chapel. The Planning Statement notes that the building is identified in the Conservation Area Appraisal as having a “neutral impact”, while the wider site is classed as a positive space.

The application follows the refusal of an earlier, larger scheme in August 2024 (reference 24/0604/FUL), which proposed demolishing the existing 25.5sqm structure and replacing it with a substantially bigger café building of around 95sqm, along with enclosed seating and a brick bin store.

The refusal notice stated that the proposal was “contrary to section 12 and 16 of the NPPF” and several local policies because, among other reasons, “by virtue of its design, scale, and massing, the proposal would be an unsympathetic development, which would be harmful to the established character of the Conservation Area.”

It also concluded that the scheme would harm the setting of nearby listed buildings and have “unacceptable harm to the amenities currently enjoyed by the adjoining properties.”

The current submission argues that careful consideration has been given to that decision and that the revised plans retain the existing footprint, limit additional massing and preserve openness around the site.

In relation to the previous scheme, Exeter Civic Society said it agreed that, “if successful, this proposal could reanimate this neglected space”, but raised concerns about bin storage, signage and the potential impact on pedestrian movement.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it had “no objection to the proposal and welcome that it will provide some legitimate use and ownership of the space”, while recommending clearly defined seating, secure bin storage and the consideration of CCTV .

Devon County Council’s highways department concluded that refuse collection arrangements would be acceptable, noting that bins would need to be moved approximately 35 metres to a collection point and that this would be “a betterment over collections on the network that could potentially lead to highway safety concerns.”

The Planning Statement argues that the proposal complies with policies in the adopted Core Strategy and Local Plan, including those relating to meeting community needs, food and drink uses, design and heritage protection. It concludes that the scheme would “deliver an appropriate use, within a suitable location, preserving the character of designated heritage assets and their setting whilst contributing positively to locality.”

Police urge residents to stop painting ‘male anatomy’ pothole graffiti

Lewis Clarke
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Police urge residents to stop painting ‘male anatomy’ pothole graffiti

Police have issued a tongue-in-cheek but firm warning after potholes were spray-painted into the shape of male anatomy – insisting it will not speed up repairs and could even land offenders in trouble.

In a post shared on social media, Exmouth Police said they were making “a bit of an odd request” and noted there was “no photo to support this for fear of losing my job”.

Officers wrote: “Potholes. Yes yes yes. We are all a bit fed up of them but could I just kindly ask that they do not, with the assistance of spray paint, get turned into items of male anatomy.

“We all hate potholes but it being turned into a ‘ball’ (all other words even scientific ones are prohibited in this app!) does not mean the pot hole gets fixed quicker.”

They added that while some may see humour in the act, it can create further issues.

“It does mean that a different council has to clean it up, we may have to record it as criminal damage etc (ironic I know). This all takes time and money and none of it solves the hole in the road because the police do not routinely carry pre-mixed tarmac in our cars.”

The force also said some residents could find the images offensive.

“Whilst there is undoubtedly a perceived comedy to this, a lot of people will find it offensive and it brings the tone of the neighbourhood down.”

Officers confirmed they had reported one example for removal.

“And yes, I have reported the one outside the Strand pub for clean up.”

The post comes amid ongoing frustration in many communities over the condition of local roads, but police stressed that vandalising potholes does not result in faster repairs.

Police release image after property damage in Plymouth

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police release image after property damage in Plymouth

We are appealing for the public’s assistance to identify the male pictured in relation to a report of criminal damage in Plymouth.

Officers were called to an incident in Chestnut Avenue shortly before 6pm on 31 January.

It was reported a man was assaulted at his property by an unknown male.

The victim was not injured and the male left the scene.

Two different males then attended and caused damage to the property door before leaving.

Officers have investigated the incident since it was first reported and are now releasing an image in the hope the public may be able to assist.

It is believed the man pictured may be able to help the investigation.

Anybody with information is asked to call 101 or visit our website quoting 50260019304

Town centre shop shut over counterfeit tobacco sales

Lewis Clarke
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Town centre shop shut over counterfeit tobacco sales

Shutters have come down on a town centre shop after officers uncovered the sale of counterfeit tobacco products on several occasions.

A closure order has been granted for JR Mini Market on Bank Street in Teignmouth following action by Trading Standards. The business must now remain closed for three months.

The order means the premises cannot reopen during that period. Failure to comply with the order can result in arrest and prosecution.

The action was taken after the shop was caught selling counterfeit tobacco products on a number of occasions.

Unlike regulated tobacco products, counterfeit and illegal goods are not subject to quality control and can pose higher health risks. They can also have a negative impact on legitimate local businesses.

Council teams brave rain for Seaton Wetlands work day

East Devon District Council
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Council teams brave rain for Seaton Wetlands work day

East Devon District Councils Countryside Team recently hosted a highly successful practical conservation day at Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve, bringing together colleagues from across the Countryside Environment & Ecology service area in a strong demonstration of collaboration and shared purpose.

The event welcomed Councillor Richard Jefferies and Assistant Director Charlie Powden, along with representatives from South East Devon Wildlife, the EDDC Trees Team, Council Ecologists, the Green Infrastructure Team and colleagues from East Devon National Landscape.

Despite wet and challenging conditions, 25 team members took part in a packed programme of habitat management activities, including a hedge-laying masterclass, coppicing and controlled burning. The group delivered work equivalent to approximately £1,000 in contractual value – an impressive contribution to the ongoing management and enhancement of this important local nature reserve.

The day was organised not only to undertake practical conservation work, but also to strengthen connections across teams and promote the Councils “One Team East Devon” approach. This initiative champions a supportive and collaborative culture, where colleagues feel connected and valued, working together to deliver the best outcomes for the communities and landscapes they serve.Seaton Wetlands provided the ideal setting for the initiative, enabling participants to contribute directly to habitat management while reinforcing their shared commitment to protecting and enhancing East Devon’s natural environment.

Cllr Richard Jefferies and team coppicing

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment – Nature & Climate, said: “This practical team day at one of East Devon’s most remarkable nature reserves was invaluable for our development as a department. We all share a deep commitment to protecting our green spaces and supporting our local communities, and for some colleagues who aren’t often able to take part in hands on conservation work, this was a particularly meaningful opportunity. It allowed us to make a real, practical contribution while strengthening relationships across the team, united by our shared goal of keeping the natural environment at the heart of everything we do.”

 Countryside Manager James Chubb added: “I am incredibly grateful to my team and everyone who contributed to the day, from those who coordinated the event to the individuals working in the rain and ankle-deep mud. The results were twofold: the sheer volume of work completed was remarkable and would likely have taken many weeks to achieve through our usual volunteer programme, and the opportunity for colleagues to connect across the wider department was also invaluable. It was a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work together. And the hot drinks and biscuits at the end were certainly well earned.”

Hedge-laying Masterclass with Nature reserve Ranger Ben

To learn more about the work of the East Devon Countryside Team or to find out how to get involved, please visit the Wild East Devon website.

Timpson plans retail pod at Tesco car park in Crediton

Lewis Clarke
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Timpson plans retail pod at Tesco car park in Crediton

Key cutting, shoe repairs, and other services may be available at a supermarket car park after Timpson lodged plans to install a retail kiosk in a Devon town.

The application, submitted by Timpson Ltd, seeks detailed consent for the erection of a retail services pod at Tesco, Joseph Locke Way in Crediton.

According to a Design and Access Statement prepared by Fuse 3 Ltd, the proposal forms part of “a joint venture by Timpson Ltd and Tesco Stores Ltd to offer the convenience of providing Timpson’s services (dry cleaning, shoe repair, key cutting, jewellery repairs, watch repairs, engraving, etc) within the Tesco grounds.”

The document makes clear that “dry cleaning will not be undertaken within the kiosk; items to be cleaned would simply be dropped off and collected at the kiosk.”

The scheme involves the installation of a single rectangular pod on an area of existing hardstanding approximately six metres south of the main store entrance . The unit would measure 6.55m in width, 2.54m in depth and 2.46m in height.

Tesco has identified stores “which have margin within the car park to afford the pod 2 car parking spaces or the equivalent paved area” , with the Crediton branch deemed suitable.

The proposed opening hours are:

  • Monday to Saturday: 0900 – 1800
  • Sunday: 1000 – 1600

Timpson says it “would look to recruit a full-time member of staff to tend the kiosk.”

In terms of design, the pod is intended to retain the company’s established branding while “blending with the architectural vernacular of the Tesco store.”

 The fascia would be Timpson branded, with details of opening times and services displayed on the unit.

The associated signage would produce “a level of static luminance not greater than 255Cd/m2”, described as “a negligible impact on nearby residents.”

The applicants state that, based on experience at similar sites, Timpson kiosks “are not a destination store in their own right, and rely heavily on existing footfall to be viable. As such it is not expected to increase traffic to the site.”

The statement adds: “We do not believe the proposed retail pod will affect the egress/ingress routes of the store or car park and we do not think there will be any impact on local transport” . Access to the Tesco site from Joseph Locke Way would remain unchanged, and there are said to be no highway implications.

The pod would be positioned on existing pavement and “will not affect any of the planting to the grounds, and does not infringe upon the current landscape provision. Thus the external environment will stay the same.”

The site is identified as being in an area of flood risk by the Environment Agency, and a Flood Risk Assessment has been submitted as part of the application.

On amenity, the applicants say: “We do not believe that there will be a material increase in noise and disturbance from the site because of the existing use of the site” adding that the proposed hours fall within the standard operating hours of a retail outlet such as Tesco.

The statement notes that “the current application has not been subject to a public consultation or local community involvement because the scheme proposes one small cabin.” However, it adds that the proposal has been considered “at board level within Tesco and Timpson.”

The applicants state that the retail pod “will offer customers the convenience of providing Timpson’s services at their local town centre superstore.”

Mid Devon District Council will determine the application in due course.

Lidl plans new Braunton store with 117 parking spaces

Lewis Clarke
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Lidl plans new Braunton store with 117 parking spaces

Plans have been lodged for a new Lidl discount foodstore and replacement long-stay car park on land off Tinever Road in Chivenor, a scheme that could bring a 1,969 sq m supermarket, 117 parking spaces and around 40 jobs to the edge of Braunton.

The application, submitted by Lidl Great Britain Limited, seeks full planning permission for the “erection of a new discount foodstore (Use Class E) with parking, alongside a standalone long-stay car park with access, landscaping and other associated works.”

The proposed store would have a gross internal area of 1,969 sq m, including 1,347 sq m of net sales area.

The sales space would be split on an “80:20 split between convenience and comparison retail floorspace”, equating to around 1,078 sq m for convenience goods and 269 sq m for comparison goods.

The remaining floorspace would comprise warehouse and ancillary areas including “customer toilets, an in-store bakery, staff welfare facilities, ancillary office space and storage / utility space.”

A total of 117 car parking spaces are proposed for the store, made up of “100 ‘standard’ parking spaces; 6 accessible parking bays; 9 parent & child spaces; and 2 EV bays” . Cycle parking would be provided in the form of six Sheffield stands offering 12 short-stay spaces.

In addition, the plans include a 35-space Council-owned and managed long-stay car park to replace the existing unoperated park and ride facility on the site . The planning statement explains that “the current P&R facility in the north-eastern section at the site is replaced with a 35-space Council managed long-stay car park for the Tarka Trail.”

Access to the foodstore would be taken from Tinever Road via a new priority junction, while the long-stay car park would have its own separate access from the same road.

The application site extends to approximately 0.98 hectares and comprises “a recently developed, unoperated Park and Ride (‘P&R’) facility, and adjoining undeveloped land.”

It is bounded by the A361 Exeter Road to the north, Tinever Road to the east and south, and industrial and commercial units to the west.

Previous outline planning permission was granted in 2014 for a wider mixed-use development, including employment land, housing, a roundabout on the A361 and a park and ride facility.

The planning statement notes that the site lies “within the defined development boundary for Braunton and Wrafton, where the principle of new development is acceptable in accordance with adopted development plan.”

However, because the proposal is outside a defined town centre, a sequential assessment and retail impact assessment have been submitted.

In its formal pre-application response, the council stated that “it is certainly evident that there are very few, suitable available and achievable alternatives within or even on the edge of Braunton Village Centre.”

A Transport Assessment submitted with the application describes the proposed development as a “2,046sqm Gross External Area (GEA) / 1,969sqm Gross Internal Area (GIA) Lidl foodstore alongside associated parking provision for 117 cars” .

The assessment confirms that vehicular access would be achieved via a priority junction from Tinever Road and that a separate access would serve the replacement long-stay car park.

Traffic surveys were undertaken in November 2025 at key junctions in the area . In terms of road safety, the report states that during the five-year period from January 2020 to December 2024 “a total of 3 collisions have been recorded within the search area, which were all classed as ‘slight’ in severity” . It concludes that “there are no existing highway safety patterns or concerns which indicate any inherent highway design issues… which could be exacerbated by the proposed development.”

The store is expected to employ “around 40 staff members in a combination of both part and full-time positions.”

Store opening hours are envisaged as 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays .

Pre-application discussions took place with council officers, who “expressed their support for the principle of the proposed development, including the relocation and reduction of the existing P&R facility” , subject to the necessary assessments being undertaken.

An information leaflet was distributed to around 5,500 households in the local area in January 2026, inviting feedback via email, freephone number or an online consultation website .

North Devon Council will now consider the application in light of the submitted assessments and any representations received, before deciding whether to grant planning permission for the scheme.

Plans lodged to revive long vacant Eggesford garden centre

Lewis Clarke
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Plans lodged to revive long vacant Eggesford garden centre

A bid to breathe new life into the long-vacant Eggesford Garden and Country Centre has been submitted to Mid Devon District Council, with proposals to demolish large sections of the existing complex and replace them with cloisters, a new toilet block and a temporary restaurant/café.

The application, submitted on behalf of Jeremey Burks, seeks permission for the demolition of existing garden centre buildings, outbuildings and greenhouses at the site in Eggesford, near Chulmleigh, and their replacement with new structures designed as the first stage of a wider rejuvenation.

According to the Design and Access Statement, the document has been prepared “in support of the application for the demolition of existing garden centre, outbuildings and greenhouses at Eggesford Garden and their replacement with new cloisters and a temporary restaurant building.”

The existing Garden Centre buildings are in very poor condition and are no longer fit for purpose.

Eggesford Gardens is described as an existing garden centre in Mid Devon, accessible from the A377 and close to Eggesford railway station. The site previously operated as a garden centre between 1981 and 2001 under the applicant’s parents, before ceasing trading in 2018.

Since closure, the statement says the site “has since fallen into disrepair” . It adds that the applicant took ownership in 2018 and has been carrying out maintenance, but that “defunct buildings need to be removed and a temporary cafe introduced so the site can begin generating income while future maintenance and development work takes place.”

In its conclusion, the document states: “This application seeks to reinstate the use of the walled garden, bringing a once much-loved local asset back into productive use for the benefit of the community.”

A significant proportion of the more modern structures within the historic walled garden would be removed.

The statement lists the following for demolition:

  • Greenhouses
  • Restaurant
  • Lean-to outbuildings along the east side of the wall
  • Garden centre building and associated structures

Two historic residential properties, referred to as R1 and R2, and a barn to the north-east of the walled garden would be retained.

In total, approximately 1,574 square metres of existing built fabric would be demolished and replaced with 235 square metres of enclosed new space, together with 483.5 square metres of covered walkways and seating areas.

The removal of these buildings is intended, the document says, to “restore and highlight the historic significance of the walled garden.”

To replace the demolished structures, the scheme proposes:

  • Cloisters along the north and east sides of the walled garden to provide covered access.
  • A new toilet block along the east wall.
  • A temporary restaurant/café in the south-east corner of the site .

The café is described as allowing “the site to begin generating income to support future development.”

The restaurant would be largely open, with a small enclosed servery linked to the kitchen, and dining areas covered by lightweight roof structures. Fink trusses salvaged from the demolished garden centre buildings would be reused in the new structures .

The proposed toilet block would provide “initial sanitary facilities for visitors, ahead of the installation of more extensive provisions as the site’s offering expands over time.”

Existing access from the north, via a road off the A377, would be retained. The track along the east side of the walled garden would be upgraded to improve access to the south-east corner, where historic parking areas would be reinstated for staff use and deliveries.

Current car parking, bicycle and motorcycle storage would be maintained, with the informal parking area in the south-east corner formalised into staff parking, providing 12 dedicated spaces and a delivery drop-off area.

The statement acknowledges the challenges posed by the site’s steep gradient, noting that while efforts have been made to improve accessibility through cloisters and staged ramps, “the steep gradient means that some ramps may fall outside standard parameters for fully accessible design.”

The application highlights the reuse of materials, particularly salvaged roof trusses, to reduce waste and embodied carbon . It states that the development “maximises the reuse of materials, reducing waste from demolition and reinforcing the sustainability of the development.”

Foul drainage from the proposed restaurant would be treated via a privately operated package sewage treatment plant previously used by the former restaurant and garden centre, with kitchen wastewater passing through a grease separator installed in accordance with BS EN 1825.

The site is located in Flood Zone 1, described as “an area with a low probability of flooding”, and the statement confirms that a further flood risk assessment is not required.

In ecological terms, the cloisters are said to form part of the mitigation strategy, recreating void roosting sites within roof spaces , and the works are stated to be liable for biodiversity net gain.

The conclusion of the statement argues that the “form, scale, and material palette have been carefully considered to respect the site’s identity” and that the layout and massing will have “minimal visual impact on the surrounding area.”

Describing the proposal as “a significant improvement over the existing vacant site”, the document concludes that it “is therefore considered appropriate for approval.”

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