Pupils can stay at riverside school farm

Some of Devon's most vulnerable children have been given the chance to keep learning at a riverside school farm after councillors backed plans to continue its use despite flood risk concerns.

The Greater Horseshoe School asked Teignbridge District Council for permission to carry on using its 40-acre (16-hectare) farm site at Chipley Mill, near Bickington, where students with complex needs take part in activities involving horticulture, animal care and outdoor learning.

Planners recommended refusing the application because of flood concerns and a lack of information about potential impacts on protected species.

However, councillors heard the school had operated there since 2018 without incident.

Councillors were also told that the school had "robust" procedures in place to respond to flood warnings, including evacuating students or closing the site when necessary, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Head teacher Peta Hewitt told the committee many pupils attended because there were few similar schools in Devon and that some viewed it as their "final chance" in education.

She said: "The safety of these vulnerable students is our number one priority. The children are taught to treat the river with respect.

"This location is a lifeline for vulnerable and complex young people in Devon and their families."

Councillors were also told updated figures suggested the flood risk was lower than previously thought.

Stuart Rogers urged colleagues not to take a "'computer says no' option", while Kevin Smith said: "We should apply some common sense."

Phil Bullivant added: "In a different location, we would be shouting from the rooftops about the service this school provides."

The planning committee agreed, concluding that the benefits of the school outweighed the risks.

Eight members voted in favour of the plans, with one abstention.

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