Clinton Devon Estates agree to allow public access to land

This legally binding agreement, approved by the Secretary of State, solves a long-running dispute over the future of Blackhill Quarry, owned by the estate which has been an industrial site for as long as anyone can remember despite being registered as common.

The estate wishes to re-develop the site for battery storage, a proposal that would be incompatible with public access should it revert to open-access common.

In exchange for the de-registration of the Quarry, the estate is voluntarily registering as common six nearby parcels of land under a legal process that will expedite public access for the 1st time.

Horse riders and cyclists will also have access to the exchange land on a permissive basis (as they do now to Woodbury Common as a whole).

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, said: "We are delighted that Clinton Devon has agreed to grant a public right of access so that the parcels of replacement land can be enjoyed as part of the common.

"The estate is also obliged to remove any boundary fencing on the exchange land.

"This will open up a larger area of common land than was available before the exchange and enable people to enjoy it as one large unit.

"This is a fine example to other landowners of how they can expand public access."

John Varley, CEO of Clinton Devon Estates, said: "The grant of consent by the Secretary of State is fantastic news for everyone with an interest in Woodbury Common.

"The new common land is accessible, larger, and of far higher amenity value than the industrial land which is being deregistered.

"Moreover, this decision will enable the development of new infrastructure which will enhance energy security in Devon and help support the energy transition.

"We are grateful to the Open Spaces Society for engaging with us so positively, and for supporting the application."

Adrian Toole
OSS member Exmouth