The site has a rich history, the former estate house, originally known as ‘Fairview’, (now called Devonport House) was built in c.1860, set in landscaped grounds. 

In the 1950s the site was purchased by the British Electricity Authority and became a Grid Control Centre, managing the electricity provision to south-west England. More recently, the site functioned as a regional headquarters for a British aerospace company. 

The complex includes three main elements: 

• Devonport House, originally a Victorian villa; 

• A 1950s control room and extension known as Wessex House; 

• A second extension dating to the 1960s which provided further control accommodation, known as the Control Building.

Our proposals will retain Devonport House as the villa is considered suitable to be converted into residential accommodation. 

However, the existing outdated office buildings have largely fallen into a state of disrepair following the expiry of a long term lease. They do not meet current EPC and net zero carbon standards and would require significant and costly upgrades to be brought back into use, to reflect the needs of modern occupiers.

We consider that re-use of this previously-developed site for new homes is the best and most sustainable option, especially as the Council currently has a shortage of deliverable housing land and needs to find space for nearly 1,500 homes per year over the next 20 years.