EDUCATION is not a planning matter, councillors have been told as they considered whether to allow Petroc College in Tiverton to use one of its buildings as a self-storage business.

Some are concerned that business is being prioritised over the educational needs of Mid Devon’s 16-18 year olds.

The district council’s planning committee recently discussed a proposal to change the use of a redundant building at Petroc’s Tiverton campus so an outside tenant can rent it as a storage and distribution facility.

Petroc says that its Tiverton campus has a number of unused rooms and buildings and has more space than it needs.

The change of use of some of the buildings to allow them to be rented or sold to other businesses would generate money for the college which could be reinvested in education, it claims.

Objections were raised by Tiverton Town Council, Bampton Town Council and Tiverton High School over the loss of educational facilities. 

Safeguarding risks and increased traffic were also given as reasons to turn the plans down.

Cllr Tim Bridger of Tiverton Town Council told the committee the change would be “detrimental” to the town. 

“The economic value of two low-value jobs cannot outweigh the loss of educational facilities for 16 to 18-year-olds,” he said.

“We have seen the decimation of facilities for our young people. 

“There is a very capable cohort of school leavers who don’t get the opportunity to access Petroc. 

“There is more development in our town (Tiverton) and Cullompton and more young people who wish to undertake those opportunities. 

“This will set a precedent in the area of business taking priority over education.”

Cllr Les Cruwys said although no highways objections were raised, he is concerned about a road which is “chock-a-block” at school arriving and leaving time and this venture would increase the number of vehicles to the college.

If it goes ahead, the self storage facility would operate from 8.30am to 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays and from 8.30am to 2pm on Saturdays. 

At other times a security company would monitor the building. 

It was claimed the business was likely to be at its busiest when the college and neighbouring high school are closed. 

They expect between nine and 12 customers visiting on weekdays and 18 to 21 on Saturdays.

A Petroc representative said a lot of investment had been made at the college, with more to come.

Cllr Cruwys said: “We cannot cross examine staff from Petroc about their future, this is not a material planning consideration.”

Members supported the application, with nine votes in favour and two abstentions.

Alison Stephenson

LDRS