Campaigners fighting plans to sell off land at county hall
The land is currently fenced off and used to house temporary buildings before they were knocked down
Last updated 17th Dec 2025
Campaigners are trying to stop a largely fenced-off part of the land - at Devon's county hall - being sold to developers.
They're unhappy there's only two weeks for objections - near Christmas and closing this Friday - with no emails accepted, only written responses.
The land used to house buildings which have been knocked down, but is beside a well-used green open space – and itself includes 0.23 hectare public open space, which campaigners say residents should be asked if they want enhancing.
Exeter City Green Councillor Lynn Wetenhall, for Newtown and St Leonard’s ward which is home to County Hall, said: “Devon County Council look to be bulldozing through a decision to sell land within County Hall under the cover of Christmas.
"They have allowed just two weeks for objections - with the deadline being this Friday December 19th - and views can only be submitted in writing; no emails are allowed.
“This is definitely not the Christmas present that local residents want. As a local councillor, I know that local people cherish this site - it is a valuable green space within the city.
“Whilst the consultation process is legally correct, to consult on something that is of such importance to so many residents and users, in such a limited way, is shocking."
Andy Ketchin, Devon County and Exeter City Councillor for the area, said: “The county council were obliged to turn the demolished site back to grass last summer. They didn't. Now it seems it was all with a quiet sell off in mind.
"Residents said no to this sale two years ago and the council listened. So why does the council think there's been a change of heart now? It's still no, because there's been no good case made to sell.”
A spokesperson for the county council said: "This is a repeat of the public consultation that ran in 2024, and any objections previously received will be considered as part of the current review.
"The notice was issued prior to the Christmas break with the deadline for responses of the 19 December. All consultation responses are welcome and will be fully considered before any final decision."
What is the background?
The land at Matford Huts was formally declared surplus to Devon County Council’s requirements by its cabinet in October 2023. Due to the fact that a small area of the site is Public Open Space, in December 2023 DCC issued a public notice that it intended to dispose of the site. In Feb 2024 a report was presented to cabinet seeking approval to dispose of the land, however that decision was deferred.
Since that time council officers have worked with Exeter City Council as the planning authority to 'establish the site in the local plan which will support the City Council’s housing targets'.
A spokesperson explained: "The site has been included in the draft Local Plan, a process which residents were entitled to make representations upon and which is subject to examination by the planning Inspectorate.
"The area forms the site of the former Matford Road offices and comprises 0.60 hectares (ha). The building footprint was an area of 0.47 ha leaving an area of 0.23 ha which could be considered as Public Open Space. It is the open space land which requires the notice to the public."