Exeter: Historic England's Larkbeare House consultation to end

Devon County Council has planned to sell Larkbeare House

A Historic England consultation on whether to list Larkbeare House in Exeter is to end on Wednesday.

Devon County Council had planned to sell the site, which currently houses the Devon Registration Service.

The council previously said the sale would save costs and avoid maintenance bills.

However, Exeter Civic Society has said it wants Historic England to list the property, as it believed the premises could be in danger if a sale was made.

Keith Lewis of the Exeter Civic Society said the group was "pleased" a consultation was looking at listing the building

Keith Lewis, chairman of the society, said: "We have been concerned about the future of Larkbeare House and its grounds following Devon County Council's decision to put it up for sale, most likely for development.

"Other than being in a conservation area, the house and grounds have no protection.

"The house may well be demolished or significantly altered, and much of the grounds, including its magnificent trees, may be lost.

"We are therefore pleased that Historic England are consulting on its possible listing."

Devon County Council said it was aware of the building's history despite it being no longer needed.

A spokesman said: "We are currently reviewing all our properties to ensure that we are getting the best value for money.  

"In recent years, the building has become surplus to our core requirements."

It added: "We are, however, mindful of its history and of the sensitivities about the house and its gardens, and we are cooperating with Historic England to enable them to conduct their assessment."