A planning application for Dawlish's Old Vicarage is still waiting for a decision after two years.

Previous applications with different proposals for what to do with the Grade II listed property at 13 Weech Road, which has been slowly falling apart over the years, have been refused. 

Now, gridlock appears to have stalled the current application.

What is the Old Vicarage?

The Old Vicarage is a 17th century cob building built on tall sandstone footings. (Cob is often made from clay and straw).

It has a Victorian limestone extension built in 1850, and a smaller brickwork extension to the north, believed to be from the late 1800s, that serves as the entrance.

It also has a separate cob building known as 'The Gig House', which is believed to be as old as the 17th century building. 

What does the application want permission to do?

The current application was received by the district council on 25 August 2020.

It requests permission to: 

1. Remove the cob storey and roof of a section of the Old Vicarage building;
2. Restore the Victorian wing as a single dwelling house with a walled garden (the walls would be the ground-floor sandstone footings from the Old Vicarage building); 
3. Demolish the extension on the north elevation;
4. Repair The Gig House.

The 17th century Old Vicarage building is believed to be "definitely beyond reasonable repair" in the opinion of several consultants.

Historic England's objections 

Historic England, the organisation responsible for listing properties, thinks the site is still of historic interest and wants to protect the cob of the Old Vicarage building.

It said in a letter from October 2020 that "Historic England considers that the loss of the cob range would result in substantial harm to the significance of the building."

It added that "the significance of the Old Vicarage derives from the use of a vernacular material to construct a building with a more formal design and appearance than is typically seen in this form of construction." 

A spokesperson told Dawlish Nub News: "Historic England have been involved in ongoing conversations for some time around the Old Vicarage, 13 Weech Road but appreciate that its deteriorating condition is a concern for people living locally. 

"We remain committed to advising the council, and others, as they explore options for securing the building's long-term future in a way that respects its special character whilst allowing it to once again contribute positively to Dawlish. 

"In respect of the application, we would refer you to our statutory advice to date, which is publicly available on the Teignbridge Council's website (20/01514/LBC). We have no further comments to make at this stage."

(Historic England recommended after a visit in November 2020 that "urgent works" be carried out to ensure it does not deteriorate further. It said that the "primary structure appears to be intact and carrying loads without sign of distress.")

What do residents think?

The property is now surrounded by a green fence with signs reading 'Danger: Keep out'.

Chair of the Old Vicarage Action Group Paul Perkin said: "The residents in the immediate vicinity of the Old Vicarage are deeply concerned at the lack of progress but further are deeply angry and ashamed that a clear plan has not been pursued by Teignbridge District Council to enforce repairs on the owner, clear the site of vermin and facilitate a working forum together of Historic England, Teignbridge planning department, the residents and the owner to set mileposts for a real solution and result.

"In spite of some work 18 months ago, there is a wall of silence from Teignbridge District Council."

Is any progress being made?

The district council said that it hopes to be able to make a decision "in the coming months".

A spokesperson for Teignbridge District Council said: "Subject to meeting our statutory duties, we are keen to find a solution to this longstanding application.  

"We have been investigating the options for the future of the site, including having discussions with Historic England. 

"We hope to be able to make a decision in the coming months."

Click here to view the planning application, and here to view the official list entry.