A 1920s village hall in Teignbridge could be protected for years to come under proposals to replace its failing roof with traditional natural slate.

Trustees of Combeinteignhead Village Hall have submitted plans to Teignbridge Council to replace the roof coverings and remove two redundant chimneys.

The application, reference 26/01646/FUL, aims to address water ingress and prevent further deterioration of the building, which stands within the Combeinteignhead Conservation Area.

According to documents submitted with the application, both the main building's pitched clay-tiled roof and the felt-covered flat roof of a later eastern extension are failing.

The proposals would see the existing coverings replaced with natural slate, a material used on nearby historic buildings.

The switch to slate would also significantly reduce the weight carried by the roof structure.

Two redundant chimneys would also be removed as part of the work, reducing maintenance requirements and the risk of further water ingress.

The plans also include measures to support local wildlife, with two pipistrelle bat boxes and two pairs of house martin nesting cups due to be installed.

The heritage statement says: ‘The hall roof requires replacement as it has reached the end of its serviceable life resulting in water ingress.

‘The proposed removal of redundant chimneys also removes their maintenance burden.

‘This is to enable to the hall to continue its community use for years to come without further cost or damage’.

Teignbridge Council is expected to make a decision on the application by December 17.

To view the plans in full, and to comment on the application, visit the council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/01646/FUL’ into the search-box.