Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Answers about what is being sold, planning, access and the campaign’s work.
Read the FAQs →Lower Field, Totnes
What We Know
The facts, the background and the questions still to be answered about the future of Lower Field.
Where things stand
Education South West has received approval from the Department for Education to sell parts of the former Elmhirst site and Lower Field. The proposed sale covers two areas, identified as Parcels E and F1. The land is registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), with the six-month moratorium restricting its sale due to end on 20 November 2026.
Friends of Lower Field is asking for open discussion about the future of the site, community access and sporting facilities, and the possibility of a community-led proposal.
Public briefing · 13 October 2026
The latest position from Friends of Lower Field
Read what we know about the proposed sale, why the group was formed, what it is doing and the history of the site.
Read the October briefing →Find what you need
Original sources
Document archive
Notices, plans and source material, with clear explanations and attribution.
Browse the archive →What we’re still trying to establish
- What is the current value of the land?
- How will community access to the all-weather pitch, parking and changing facilities be protected?
- What replacement or alternative facilities, if any, will be guaranteed?
- What would ESW require from a credible community-led offer?
- Could planning permission be granted if continuous riverside access and the necessary community sports facilities are not provided?
A short history of the site
Key dates drawn from the October 2026 public briefing. Some historic details still need supporting documents added to the archive.
- Late 1920s–early 1930sThe Elmhirst buildings were constructed in stages for Totnes County School for Girls. Commemorative stones on the buildings record 1928 and 1931.
- 1930s–1950sLower Field land was leased and later transferred from the Dartington Hall Estate to Devon County Council in separate parcels. The precise transfer chronology is still being checked.
- 1966King Edward VI Comprehensive School was formed through the amalgamation of Totnes Grammar School, Redworth Secondary Modern School and Totnes High School for Girls.
- Late 1990sEarlier proposals to sell school land for housing met local opposition.
- 2011–2022KEVICC operated as a foundation school associated with the co-operative Dart Valley Learning Trust.
- 2018–2019An earlier development proposal was opposed. The Joint Local Plan adopted in 2019 allocated land at KEVICC for residential-led development, with provision for around 130 homes and enhanced education and sports facilities.
- 2021KEVICC consulted on possible land disposal. South Hams District Council listed the Lower Field site as an Asset of Community Value in November.
- April 2022Totnes Town Council offered £2.5 million to purchase the former Lower School site, including the Elmhirst buildings and adjoining playing fields.
- Summer 2022Approximately 14 acres across parts of the KEVICC estate were offered for sale by Dart Valley Learning Trust, with offers invited by 22 July.
- September 2022KEVICC converted to academy status under Education South West, and the school's land transferred to the trust.
- February 2025Education South West received approval from the Department for Education to dispose of school land.
- May 2026Education South West deposited a landowner statement under section 31(6) of the Highways Act 1980 with Devon County Council, recording its position on public rights of way over the land. The accompanying application also included a statement under section 15A(1) of the Commons Act 2006.
- 20 May 2026South Hams District Council received notice of the proposed sale, beginning the Asset of Community Value moratorium process.
- 20 November 2026The six-month moratorium is due to end, according to South Hams District Council's notice.