A foolish thing to happen




"A large slate and render, Edwardian house of attractive proportions"










Demise imminent











First bites












Half-way house












One chimney to go








R.I.P. Clyst Hayes House












So farewell then old Clyst Hayes House, it's sad to see you go.
We did our best to save you but within our hearts we know
That money talks and distant planners make the rules and so,
Today a modern dinosaur on our Jurassic coast
Came clanking with its metal head to seize you in its jaws,
To tear down all your chimneys, while snorting "You are toast!"
To smash you down to bricks and dust, and pull out your blue doors.
And now I look in vain for you. You've gone. You're just a ghost.

Yesterday, Clyst Hayes House on Exmouth Road in Budleigh Salterton, described by East Devon District Council as “a large slate and render, Edwardian house of attractive proportions,” was demolished, with the approval of District Council planners, to make way for a small housing development. Budleigh Salterton Town Council had opposed the demolition plans for several years.

It was 1 April 2010.

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