Planning permission granted for wellbeing hub at Chelfham Mill

The future of the abandoned Chelfham Mill Boarding School in North Devon has been secured, thanks to a community-led initiative spearheaded by former pupils. 

Planning permission has now been granted for the site’s transformation into a wellbeing hub, ensuring the historic buildings are given a new lease of life.

The Growforward Project, a Community Interest Company (CIC), is leading the restoration, with plans to develop a residential wellbeing retreat centre, a café and bistro, a heritage visitor centre, and accommodation spaces for staff and volunteers. 

The project aims to provide workshops, therapeutic experiences, and professional wellbeing-linked qualifications, all set in the surroundings of the former schoolhouse, watermill, and orchard.

A key part of the plan is The Old Apple Press, a café and bistro set to open in late 2025, offering a full home-cooked menu and serving as the catering facility for the retreat centre. 

A heritage visitor centre is also planned, highlighting the area's rich history, including its steam railway, viaduct, and watermill. 

The site will also house accommodation and utility spaces to support the team and volunteers working on the project.

Daniel Argent, a former pupil of Chelfham Mill and one of the project’s founding members, has played a pivotal role in its revival. 

With a background in wellbeing, hospitality, and events marketing, he is deeply invested in the site's transformation.

ABOVE: Daniel Argent

Speaking about the project, he said: “I never expected to return to Chelfham after boarding at the school because of my ADHD diagnosis. But life can surprise us all, and it is a remarkable privilege to be a part of the team rejuvenating its stunning assets and location into a project that will benefit so many. The most rewarding aspect is that it will be not-for-profit; a labour of love so to speak. After many years in the business world, I can’t wait to focus solely on delivering benefit to the community. I want to create something that will make a huge difference to many.”

The project has already secured over £1 million in funding, with an estimated £3 million needed over the coming years.

Financing has come from personal savings, business lending, and a commercial mortgage, with future funding expected to be raised through community bids, crowdfunding, and partnerships with wellbeing and training organisations.

Local leaders have welcomed the initiative. 

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, Lead Member of Economy, Regeneration and Planning for Bratton Fleming Ward, expressed his support, saying: “I support this new not-for-profit venture because it will bring the old school site back to life, and in time could bring much-needed employment. Chelfham Mill always had such strong connections to the local community, and this is one of their aims – and it is to be applauded.”

Alex Heylin, another former pupil and founding member of the project, described the planning approval as a major step forward.

“This milestone brings us one step closer to revitalising this historic site and creating a vibrant community space. We can’t wait to see the transformation unfold and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received so far. This is just the beginning, and now that we’re in legal possession of the site, with planning permission, we can’t wait to be able to throw the gates open to the world, for the wider community to join us in making this place truly unique. We are excited to welcome in all of the volunteers who have been knocking the gates down, at last!”

The Growforward Project has already formed partnerships with local and national charities and organisations, including Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, Yeo Valley Trust, Exmoor Associates, and North Devon Voluntary Services. 

The team is now calling for volunteers to help with everything from site maintenance to rebuilding the iconic waterwheel and writing grant applications.

An open day is planned for Sunday, 2 March, from 11am to 4pm, inviting the public to explore the site, meet the team, and learn more about how they can get involved.

The hard work of the team and local community has been recognised widely, with North Devon Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome praising the project: “I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that the planning application for The Growforward Project has been approved. Having visited the site myself not too long ago and learned about the inspiring mission behind this initiative, I know what an incredible asset it will be for North Devon. It’s a beautiful site with an incredible team committed to supporting the local community, heritage, and wellbeing. I look forward to seeing the project flourish. Well done to everyone involved!”

With just twelve months to turn the site from a derelict ruin into a fully operational community space, the project has already made significant progress. 

Now, with planning permission secured, The Growforward Project is set to breathe new life into Chelfham Mill, preserving its history while creating a space dedicated to wellbeing, learning, and community connection.