A planning application has been submitted to make repairs to Weycroft Manor in Axminster after significant damage was caused to the Grade II* listed building in a fire in March.

The proposals include the complete replacement of the roof and repair and reinstatement of the walls, windows, ceilings, masonry, plasterwork, finishes and internal joinery. There are also plans to install a stair lift and bath lift, fire compartmentalisation, loft access, thermal insulation and breathable membrane in the roof, a log burner, chimney liner and chimney pots, and to carry out full electrical rewiring.

The building dates to at least the 16th century and formed part of the wider complex associated with the early 15th century, Grade I listed Weycroft Hall.

Acciredited conservation specialists Connolly Wellingham Architects were appointed in June 2020 to assist with preparations to repair the manor and Historic England will also be consulted on the plans.

You can view the full application on the East Devon District Council website.

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Plans have been approved to convert a barn at Uphay Farm in Axminster into a micro-brewery.

East Devon District Council has granted planning permission to convert the barn to create a Kombucha micro-brewery at the farm in Membury Road. Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been consumed for thousands of years and is said to have a number of health benefits.

The planning application said the proposal was to make "sympathetic changes" to convert the barn and support the diversification of the farming enterprise.

This would include the installing of large, barn-style sliding doors to the main brewing area and conservation roof lights. There will be no expansion to the existing scale of the building, and the lean-to section will be used as a storage area with a barn-style door to the outside.

There will be a black cladding finish to much of the exterior, reflecting the aesthetic of the existing barn and sitting "inconspicuously within the surrounding trees".

External parking will be provided immediately from the main drive of the farm on on a permeable reinforced grass hard-standing. This will allow for grass to continue to grow in this area, reducing its impact.

You can view full details of the application on the East Devon District Council website.

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Other planning applications recently approved in the Axminster area include changing the use of Abbeyfield House in Silver Street from a care home to a single dwelling; construction of a single-storey rear extension at 3 Lyme Close; a single-storey rear/side extension at 117 North Street; construction of raised decking to rear including steps and storage underneath at Tweedsmuir, Crewkerne Road; retrospective permission for change of use of agricultural land to garden and retention of existing recreational chalet at 1 Gorsebank, Crewkerne Road; construction of a detached garage/store at Coombe Orchard, Coombefield Lane; replacement of two first floor windows and one door on rear west elevation at The Old Farmhouse, Castle Hill; removal and replacement of existing porch at Tanners Cottage, Lyme Road; and reconfiguration of the car park together with the creation of an internal access serving the Scott Rowe Building at Axminster Hospital.

A 'permission in principle' application for construction of a single self-build dwelling at lane east of Claremont Green Lane was recently refused.

Applications currently under consideration include the replacement of one externally illuminated fascia sign at Axminster Tool Centre on Trafalgar Way; enlargement of and alterations to parking lay-by to enable to parking of two cars at 28A Foxhill; erection of a storage barn at lane south west of Stoney Bridge; and erection of an agricultural barn at Rose Farm, Wyke;