NEWTON Abbot Town Council has pledged to be ‘clear and honest’ with residents as it further investigates the costs and challenges of buying Old Forde House.

The Grade I listed Tudor property near Penn Inn dates to the 1500s and has provided accommodation for distinguished guests such as King Charles I, William of Orange and Oliver Cromwell.

The site has been owned by Teignbridge District Council since 1978 and used as offices, an events space and wedding venue.

But in November 2024 the authority said it wanted rid as maintenance costs had soared to more than £120,000 per year.

Late in 2023 a burst water pipe caused extensive damage to some of the oldest rooms while elsewhere woodworm, failing slates and cracks in the masonry are only adding to the financial burden.

With concerns that the building could be snapped up by a commercial developer, Newton Abbot Town Clerk Phil Rowe made a successful bid to have Old Forde House declared an Asset of Community Value.

This gives the town council until July to prepare a purchase bid.

If the numbers stack up, future uses could include community activities, history tours, weddings and other celebrations.

On Monday, councillors, officers and interested groups such as the Newton Abbot and District Civic Society met as a Task and Finish Group to discuss the options.

Mr Rowe said grants were potentially available from the Architectural Heritage Fund to help establish whether taking ownership could be financially viable.

He has also opened talks with Historic England and the meeting heard that the National Trust could be approached.

But those present agreed that a great deal more information, such as the costs and restrictions on making Old Forde House accessible and fit for 21st century uses, was essential.

Former Mayor Cllr Louise Cooke said at a time when households were struggling financially, none would welcome higher taxes.

‘Forde House needs to be financially viable so as not to increase council tax bills,’ she said.

‘Let’s be clear and honest with the residents of Newton Abbot.

‘The due diligence is very important.’

Cllr Cooke’s proposal that the town council formally investigates the grant options and continues to seek expert opinion on the technical challenges was voted through.

Mr Rowe said: ‘I can only repeat what I said late last year when we learned that Old Forde House was on the market.

‘Only if the sums add up and we’re told the building can be modified, will taking ownership be something that Newton Abbot Town Council can consider.

‘We cannot risk placing an unfair burden on council tax payers both now and in the future so, as Cllr Cooke said, we’ll be clear and honest throughout.’

A further meeting of the Task and Finish Group will be called when Mr Rowe has more information to share.

Newton Abbot Town Council has already taken on and repurposed old buildings.

In 2016 it acquired the Grade II listed former St Leonard’s Church in Wolborough Street, developing it into Newton’s Place, now home to the town’s museum, public events space and council offices.

The £2.2 million project was delivered without increasing council tax bills or imposing museum entrance fees.