Devon's Cabinet approved the grant bid submission to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the delivery phase of its “Restoring Stover Park” project.
Devon received just over £341,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) in 2020 to develop proposals for the £3.6 million project.
We’re now preparing a £1.9 million bid for the scheme which aims to provide positive environmental impacts, preserve local heritage, support measures to reduce carbon and also improve health and wellbeing.
The project proposals include –
- Desilting the lake to improve water quality and address the decline in the condition of the Site of Special Scientific Interest. This will complement previous work in partnership with National Highways, to establish two Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) which reduce pollutants entering the lake;
- Conservation work to safeguard the granite lodge and restore part of a historic serpentine lake.
- Upgrading and extending the visitor centre to improve quality, use, sustainability, and income generation. This includes the provision of community space for learning, networking, and crafting; outdoor facilities for catering and refreshments; and workshop and office accommodation.
- Improvements to the car park with better provision of spaces for people with disabilities, and greater accessibility for coaches and minibuses. There will also be improved connectivity for people accessing the site by bus, on foot, and by bicycle. Around 11 acres of neighbouring land is proposed to be purchased to develop new trails to support this part of the project.
- There will be an extensive programme of community engagement for existing visitors and under-represented audiences, including socially isolated older people living in and around the Newton Abbot and Teignbridge area, disadvantaged local families, and local young people with additional support needs for mental health and wellbeing.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said:
“Stover Park is an important asset for Devon and this is an ambitious project which will deliver many substantial benefits for Stover and the wider community. It aims to revitalise and enhance the biodiversity, historic landscape, and recreational value of Stover Park.”
Councillor George Gribble, County Councillor for Bovey Rural, said:
“If the bid application is successful it will be excellent news. Not only will it be of benefit to this wonderful park, but also to the many visitors from all over Devon and those that come from afar to appreciate and enjoy Stover’s historical value, recreational qualities and the facilities it has to offer.”
A formal review meeting held earlier this year with the National Lottery Heritage Fund confirmed the scheme proposed for Stover Park is of national significance and worthy of NLHF support.
The Cabinet report can be viewed on our democracy webpages.