NEWS FROM EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

Exmoor National Park Authority has agreed to buy Blackpitts near Simonsbath, a remote yet very prominent property set in approximately a hectare of land surrounded by National Park Authority owned open moorland. The property and surrounding buildings and land are in need of considerable renovation before they are suitable for any modern uses.

The Authority took the unusual step of purchasing the property in order to make sure that future developments on the site take place without causing any harm to the surrounding landscape in this unique and wild piece of Exmoor moorland. Unsympathetic modernisation would have a highly visible impact that would alter the special qualities of this remote location forever. Whilst planning powers would give the National Park Authority some ability to influence future changes, the Authority felt that closer involvement was appropriate in such a sensitive location.

Commenting on behalf of the vendors, Lady Arran said: “The present generations of the Fortescue Family are delighted that this most unusual property has followed previous sales into the hands of Exmoor National Park Authority. We believe that they are in the best position to ensure that the property contributes positively to the greater good of Exmoor.

A price of £235,000 has been agreed with the vendors. This is within the range set on it by the District Valuer and is likely to be the kind of figure that the property would have reached on the open market. The property was due to go for auction shortly and there had been a lot of interest from potential purchasers.

Dr Nigel Stone, chief executive of Exmoor National Park Authority said: “We were very pleased to have the opportunity to buy Blackpitts which has come onto the market for the first time in 50 years and is surrounded by land already owned by the National Park Authority. We will be making an announcement in the new year about what we will do with the property having considered a wide range of options in the meantime.