Devon council urged to rethink part of County Hall sale

The council report will be discussed at a later date, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said

Campaigners are calling for a rethink over plans to sell part of the grounds at Devon's County Hall.

More than 130 objections to the proposed sale have been made, with the most common objection being the land is in a conservation area.

A council report said there were alternatives, but they would "not support the council's drive to ensure financial stability".

The council has been approached for comment.

The report will be discussed at a later date, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

'Hugely disappointed'

Exeter city councillor Andy Ketchin, for the Green Party, Newtown & St Leonards, has written to the council, and said many residents were "hugely disappointed" about the proposal, its location, and that the land is surrounded by protected trees which "diminishes the value potential of the plot".

"The site is not earmarked for development in the Exeter Local Plan consultation," he said in his letter.

GP and St Leonards resident Will Duffin said it "doesn't appear to be part of any wider strategy".

The council said out of County Hall's five hectares, the parcel of land that could be sold off was 0.6 hectares, of which just 0.2 hectares is currently public open space.

"The curtilage identified allows for the retention of routes frequently used by walkers and dog walkers," the report said.

"Some of the curtilage is covered by trees and the majority of these are protected."