Plans have been revealed to modernise the historic Holsworthy Manor Offices building while preserving its Grade II-listed character, with proposals including solar panels, refurbished offices and upgraded public facilities.
Torridge District Council is seeking approval to submit planning and listed building consent applications for the refurbishment project at the Manor Offices in Holsworthy. The scheme is backed by Community Regeneration Partnership funding secured in 2025.
The council said the funding window runs until spring 2027 and described the programme as “challenging”, with hopes the planning process can run alongside maintenance work that does not require consent.
Proposed works requiring listed building and planning consent include replacing or refurbishing some external windows and doors, improving the ground floor accommodation currently used by Holsworthy Town Council and merging two first-floor offices to create larger office space.
The plans also include the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on the south-west and west-facing roof pitches, alongside a battery storage system. Refurbishment of toilet and kitchen areas, improvements to fire safety measures and raising an internal stair balustrade to improve public safety are also proposed.
The report states the project is dependent on both planning approval and a Natural England licence connected to bats present within the roof void of the building.
Alongside the consent application, other maintenance works not requiring permission are expected to be fast-tracked. These include external decoration, upgraded access and security systems with a new intercom, improved loft insulation, repairs to the building’s lift and replacement soffits, fascias, bargeboards and rainwater goods on a like-for-like basis.
According to the committee report, the project is intended to improve accessibility and amenity within the public building while reducing running costs through renewable energy generation and thermal efficiency upgrades.
The report states the project is fully funded through the Levelling Up Fund grant programme.
Councillors are being asked to approve the submission of the listed building and planning applications in support of the proposed works.
