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Mid Devon District Council's leader has been accused of being a "tin-pot dictator", following planned changes to a conservation area around Tiverton's Grand Western Canal. The majority of concern from residents centred on the removal of much of a woodland, known locally as Snakes Wood, from the conservation area. Most of it is being taken out of the conservation boundary because it is not deemed to have historical or architectural significance, characteristics that make up part of the criteria for land being included in a conservation area.

Campaigners also believe other legal protections, such as about wildlife or plants, could be used to protect Snakes Wood. This week Mid Devon District Council's cabinet meeting heard the authority had amended its initial proposals around redrawing the conservation area after a public consultation. This included amending the boundary to include the canal's embankment near Snakes Wood, keeping land adjacent to Tidcombe Hall in the conservation area in spite of initially considering its removal, and retaining Pondground Cottage in Holcombe Rogus under its protection too.



But among the locations to be removed are agricultural land near Rock House in Halberton, and two modern buildings on Turnpike and Holbrook Farm, both near Sampford Peverell. Two Grade II-listed lime kilns in Canonsleigh will be added. Several residents spoke against the plans at the meeting, and urged councillors to let the next full council meeting consider a petition on th.

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