Our vision was to create a multi-generational space, a stop off on the way to or from a surf that we would have loved had it been here when we were growing up

Paddy Wellens, Co-Founder of Outside said: “Outside opened its doors in late July 2022. The plans will eventually include a community orchard/tree nursery and wildflower meadow, while the communal farm will be for people to grow vegetables and cut flowers with a “dream to be off-grid by 2030”. Outside also hosts a ceramics studio running courses for both adults and children and a Surfboard shaping workshop, a place for renowned shapers and amateurs to hone their skills. Its small Organic farm supplies about 60 per cent of the produce that makes up the cafe’s international menu. Officially opened in late July 2022, Outside has a purpose built, concrete skate bowl and has hosted over 400 skaters so far. It also included a new five-a-side 4G football pitch construction of new skate bowl and children’s adventure play facilities. The vision was to create a multi-purpose community facility including a co-working hub with surfboard shaping workshop and ancillary café. When the scheme went before planners back in 2020, planning officers had recommended that the bid for the change of use, renovation and extension of existing redundant farm buildings at The Yard in Bantham, near Kingsbridge, be refused, despite 358 of the 360 comments left on the application being in support of the scheme.īut South Hams District Council’s development management committee, voted overwhelmingly to support the plans for three acres of derelict land that Mr Howard owns, saying that the public benefits of the application outweighed the harm it would cause. Read More - Devon house prices set to plunge in six locations as market slump looms Now it has become a reality – and followed an outpouring of support from the local community. The concept started as an idea of local Paddy Wellens and old friend, musician Ben Howard, who was born in Bantham and grew up in Totnes. The venue, which transformed existing redundant farm buildings at The Yard in Bantham, is celebrating three months of being open. It includes a skate bowl, cafe, pottery studio. Outside Devon is a community backed two acre site and has opened in the South Hams. The Conservatives have 8, with 8 Independents, 2 Green Party, and 2 North Devon Independents.Devon’s double Brit award-winning Ben Howard’s “communal farm” is open. The Lib Dems have an overall majority on the council, holding 22 of the seats.

North Devon Council is currently run by the Liberal Democrats. North Devon goes to the polls on Thursday, May 4, to elect 42 new councillors.

Skateboards by Devon Howard