PLANS to improve and expand a Bovey Tracey retirement home have been given the go-ahead by Teignbridge Council.

The authority has granted planning permission for works at Tracey House Retirement Home, pictured.

The proposals are designed to bring more of the existing complex into use as part of the care home, providing additional ensuite bedrooms, improved communal facilities and better accessibility for residents.

Fire safety would be improved through protected stairways and lobbies, with more coherent escape routes.

Residents are also set to benefit from better access to the gardens including private terraces and communal outdoor dining areas.

Teignbridge Council said the proposed works were limited in scale and would remain subordinate to the existing building.

In its decision notice, the planning authority said: ‘The proposed works are limited in scale, are subservient to the existing building and would not result in unacceptable impacts on the character of the area, neighbouring amenity, ecology, drainage, flood risk or heritage assets’.

The council added that the plans aligned with local and national planning policies supporting the retention and enhancement of residential care facilities and specialist accommodation for older people.

The permission states that development must begin within three years.

Bovey Tracey Town Council welcomed environmental measures included in the scheme, such as the installation of at least three Swift boxes.

Tracey House closed in 2023, before a subsequent planning application sought permission to change the property’s use to holiday accommodation.

That application was refused with an appeal against the decision also dismissed in September 2025.

The home has since reopened and is currently operating as a residential care home.

According to the application’s design and access statement, the proposal is intended to support its continued operation and secure the long-term future of the facility.

The statement says: ‘The proposal represents a positive investment in this valued local service by allowing more of the existing complex to become functional and be brought into active care use.

‘It responds directly to the previous planning history by supporting the community use and adapting the buildings for modern care needs’.