Planning Approval for the new Tearoom: December 2020

We are pleased to announce that our submitted planning application has been approved by the Exmoor National Park Authority, allowing us to remove the existing temporary covered structure and build in its place a new permanent timber tearoom at our Woody Bay Station site.

The old temporary covered seating for use as a cafeteria has served us well since 2012, but our ever increasing success as a tourist attraction which benefits the North Devon economy, has served to highlight the need for a better and more comfortable building for our visitors in which to take refreshments. The new building was designed from the outset to reflect a typical rural timber structure, whilst maintaining its identity as a building designed and constructed by the Southern Railway during the 1930s. Consequently, the new building will match the colours already adopted on the adjacent station building. The length and width of the new building equal the same dimensions of the existing temporary covered seating tearoom.

The new Tea Room, Elevations & Section.

The new Tea Room, Ground Floor & Roof Plans.

A request has already been submitted for a financial grant and is currently under consideration. If approved, this could allow for an early start to undertake the construction of the new building. No doubt this project will feature in future work-in-progress reports during the construction phase as the building progresses to completion.

Words by Chris Dadson, Images/planning application by Ric Auger.