LEADER+ funding, secured for a three year period, enabled appointments of professional staff and consultants to be made.

A visit by Alun Michael, then Rural Affairs Minister, in March was a highlight of the year. Mr Michael subsequently wrote to say that he had found the visit “inspirational” and that the project “showed what could be achieved through local cooperation and teamwork”. Other visitors to the project included the Bishop of Exeter (Chairman of Devon Rural Forum) and Sir Ewan Cameron (then Chairman of the Countryside Agency).

In March/April the outline planning application was approved by Torridge Plans Committee and Full Council, but was later referred to Government Office South West, which eventually led to a Local Public Inquiry (see below).

In May an architect was appointed to start to draw up a Master Plan for the proposed development.

Advisory Groups were set up to contribute ideas to the Master Plan. The Advisory Groups were: Education and Community Facilities; Housing; Community Woodland; Sport and Recreation and Workspace.

High Bickington Community Property Trust (HBCPT) was set up in July 2004, with 3 founding directors, to assume responsibility for the project. HBCPT is a not-for-profit, exempt charity, set up under Industrial and Provident Society Rules. Devon CC and the Parish Council are corporate members and all residents and people with a local connection can become shareholders. The Project 2000 Committee was disbanded. Committees of HBCPT were formed to develop the work of the Advisory Groups.

A highly successful Master Plan Exhibition and Consultation weekend in July attracted around 200 residents and many helpful comments.

A Joint Venture Group was set up to bring together the development partners: HBCPT, High Bickington Parish Council, Devon County Council, Wessex Reinvestment Trust and Devon & Cornwall Housing Association.

Having been referred to GOSW in August, the planning application was eventually ‘called in’ for determination by the Secretary of State on 24th December. The reason for the ‘call in’ was that the Secretary of State considered “that the proposals may conflict with national policies on important matters”. Arrangements for a Local Public Inquiry were put in the hands of the Planning Inspectorate.