The quirky Devon landmark can be seen for miles
11:06, 04 Feb 2026Updated 11:06, 04 Feb 2026
Plans have been submitted to turn Broadclyst Water Tower into a home.(Image: Aspire Planning Solutions)
An unusual bid has been made to turn a disused water tower into a cylindrical home.
Plans have been submitted to turn Broadclyst Water Tower into a three-story property that would also have a top level for a viewing platform or terrace.
It appears the “distinctive, disused concrete tower” will be a one-bedroom property.
The land around the property will form the garden and leisure area, with vehicle access to the rear, which would be off an existing track, to off-street parking for up to four cars.
External visualisation of plans for an application to turn Broadclyst Water Tower into a home.(Image: Aspire Planning Solutions)
Drawings of the plans – which feel like something out of a TV show about unusual properties – show an EV charger would also be installed.
Documents state the applicant, Tim Owen, wishes to “retain the existing layout and appearance of the property with the material changes proposed being enclosing the structure to result in a dwelling”.
The planning documents state the water tower was built in the 1940s but ceased operation in 2008.
Layout plans for an application to turn Broadclyst Water Tower into a home.(Image: Aspire Planning Solutions)
The agent for the applicant, Neil Maud of Aspire Planning Solutions, states in planning documents that the site lies immediately west of Broadclyst in East Devon.
“The site is off the B3181 main road running north south from Exeter to Cullompton,” it states.
“The area east of the road is heavily built up with the site immediately outside the defined settlement of Broadclyst.
Plans have been submitted to turn Broadclyst Water Tower into a home.(Image: Aspire Planning Solutions)
“The application site is located on the west side of the street, 380 metres from the junction with Clyst Vale Community College. The east side of the street predominantly comprises residential property. North, south and west of the site is open countryside and the site is joined on the east side to a small wooded area.”
It later adds: “Its iconic brutalist concrete design makes for a striking landmark across the open countryside with wide-ranging views and vistas from the site.
The location of Broadclyst Water Tower.(Image: Aspire Planning Solutions)
“The structure is approximately 16 metres tall with panoramic views across the Devon countryside.”
It’s not yet known when East Devon District Council will make a decision on the plans.