PLANS to demolish buildings at a former garden centre and build a “temporary” restaurant/ cafe have been given the thumbs-up.

Eggesford Gardens, which is located around a third of a mile south of Eggesford railway station, shut in 2018.

Jeremy Burks, whose parents ran the garden centre from 1981 to 2001, now has permission to tear down “defunct” buildings and build a temporary restaurant/ cafe “so the site can begin generating income while future maintenance and development work takes place”.

He can also build covered walkways around the site and a new toilet block.

“The existing buildings that are proposed to be demolished are not considered to be of any particular merit and there is no objection to their removal,” a Mid Devon District Council spokesperson said, approving the plans.

“It is considered that the proposal justifies its countryside location being centred around the historic walled garden setting.

“Having regard to the previous uses established at the site, the proposal is not expected to result in any unacceptable adverse highway impacts.

“The design of the scheme is considered to be acceptable subject to conditions to secure appropriate details.

“Subject to mitigation the proposal is not likely to result in harm to protected species and enhancements to biodiversity can be secured.

“It is considered that the proposal is not likely to result in any significant adverse impacts the amenities of neighbouring occupiers or in terms of air quality, heritage assets, protected landscapes, drainage or flood risk.”

The new-look site will have oak timber cloisters with slate tile roofs along the north and east sides of the walled garden, a temporary restaurant/ cafe in the southeast corner similarly made of timber with a corrugated metal roof, and a new toilet block along the east wall.

Three people wrote to Mid Devon District Council in support of the plans.

“The closure of the former garden centre in 2018 was a sad day for the local community,” said Dave Dann.

“I feel that this is most likely to be the best opportunity to turn the present dereliction into something that benefits the local community and environment as well as the applicants.”

And Elaine Hollingsworth said: “The restaurant will be a great asset to the many walkers and cyclists that enjoy Eggesford Forest and also provide facilities for those visiting the adjacent historic church.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

You can see the application on the council’s website under reference 26/00168/FULL.