What future for Devoran old school?

11:22am Saturday 8th March 2008

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Devoran residents are being given the chance to have their say over the future of the old school building, now redundant, in the midst of their village.

Built in 1847 and known to be the oldest primary school in the county, it already has been the subject of a scheme for residential development submitted by the joint owners, the diocesan authority and the county council, but this has been turned down by Carrick.

Following local concerned strongly expressed to Feock parish members about that proposal the council funded an independent planning brief which has now been put together and is available for public consultation over the next six weeks.

This proposes that any new development will: provide for a mixed use that enhances community life in the village; safeguard the existing character of the buildings; be of high quality that protects the amenity of adjoining properties; maintain local distinctiveness, and be complementary to the resolutions set out in the parish plan.

Ideas mooted in the past have included incorporating the parish council office within its walls, or creating a public library, but clerk Alan Truan says the council is not seeking to put forward any specific ideas and is happy with the aims set out in the planning brief.

He urges all locals to view this document, which is available for inspection at Carrick's offices in Pydar Street or at the parish council office at Four Turnings.

There will be no formal public meetings as part of the statutory process as responses need to be made in writing to the district council.