A developer is challenging the Asset of Community Value status accredited to Bay View Cafe and hoping to develop the site into four new homes.

The cafe in Bigbury was awarded the status earlier this year, which means that the current owner must tell the local authority if they wish to sell the cafe and if the community group wishes to buy the property, then the process of selling can be delayed by six months to give the community the chance to raise the money.

The appeal date to decide whether Bay View Cafe should remain an ACV will take place on Monday, December 11. After which, on Tuesday, December 19 and Wednesday, December 20, the planning inspector will decide whether or not the cafe will be demolished, taking place at Bigbury Memorial Hall in the village of St Anns Chapel.

The appeal and plans are being put forward by Mr N. Bennett on behalf of Galion Homes Ltd, with Mr J. Marchant acting as his agent.

There are a wealth of objections to this new development and challenges to the ACV status. Similarly, since the cafe closed in September 2015, plans have been submitted and twice rejected in 2016 to demolish Warren Cottage and Bay View Cafe for firstly three detached houses and latterly four.

Many residents have issued objections to South Hams District Council, expressing their beliefs in the success of the cafe prior to closure and their dissatisfaction towards the development plans that have been submitted.

G. Borgatti from Bigbury-on-Sea has objected to the change in ACV status, explaining that the cafe was “a very popular and successful business, meeting the needs of our local community.”

She further commented that: “Bigbury-on-Sea is an important destination in Devon and The Bay View Cafe was a welcoming part of it”.

“Demolition of the Community Asset that is the Bay View Cafe would be without doubt the single most important face changing decision in the history of our pretty village,” said another resident, M. Borgatti.

South Hams District Cllr E. Huntley has stated how two years after its closure “visitors are still asking where the cafe has gone. “All the villagers want it back, as do the people living in the hinterland who used it for lunch or a cream tea during their day out at the nearest beach”.

G. Borgatti has also expressed her objections to the proposed developments, describing their potential presence as “hugely detrimental” to the village. “It would be a gross over development of the site,” said Gwen.

Another resident, M. Borgatti has expressed their concern that the development could “completely change the topography of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast.”

P. Brown has objected on the grounds that it will create an “irrevocable loss of amenity and its impact would visually and materially damage the area.

Additionally, people are expressing their disappointment at the predicted expense of the houses. “The proposed houses will be out of the price range of locals, they will be purchased as second homes,” said C. Curgenven.

If anyone would like to add further comment or take a closer look at the plans, the reference number is:1826/16/FUL.