PLANS for a bird of prey centre to relocate from Exmouth to Kenton have split opinion among residents.

Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre, which has operated in the Exmouth area for close to 20 years, is seeking planning permission from Teignbridge Council to transform two agricultural buildings at Ford Farm in Kenton into its new base of operations - a centre dedicated to the care, training and display of raptors.

It comes after the family-run business was served notice to leave its current premises.

And the plans have attracted both objections and representations of support, reflecting differing views about the potential benefits and impacts of the development.

Among those backing the proposal is Kelsea Bright, who described it as a ‘valuable addition to Kenton’ and a ‘fantastic opportunity for the local area’, adding that the application should be given ‘strong consideration’.

Elizabeth Spowage also voiced support, describing the development as a ‘great asset’, saying it would be ‘highly unlikely’ to make any noticeable difference to local transport.

Jayne Archer said the business would benefit the village, particularly given the loss of several local businesses in recent years.

She said: ‘Kenton has lost a lot of facilities over the las few years, including the village shop, hairdresser and pub.

‘This business will bring people back into our village, who will also be able to enjoy some of the facilities we do have’.

However, not everyone is convinced.

Annika Gleeson has raised concerns about the lack of pedestrian access between and the village and the site, as well as the potential loss of a ‘longstanding’ tractor track and bridleway.

She also questioned the provision of CCTV at the site.

Sarah Downing objected to the choice of location, citing concerns about vehicular access, foul drainage and security.

Under the plans, the existing farm buildings would be converted to accommodate the birds and the facilities needed for their daily care and management.

One barn would be used for displays, while the second would be converted into an aviary containing individual enclosures designed to meet the needs of different bird species.

The aviary building would also include dedicated areas for food preparation, weighing birds and storing transport cages.

The application also includes a modular office building, alterations to the existing barns, a car park and associated works.

The site would be accessed via an existing shared entrance from Mamhead Road.

Hawkridge intends to operate the centre as a pre-booked visitor attraction, offering flying demonstrations and opportunities for the public to learn more about birds of prey, conservation and responsible animal management.

Visitor numbers would be limited to a maximum of eight people per session, with activities running on weekdays and weekends throughout the year.

Experiences on offer would range from one-hour bird-handling sessions and two-hour flying experiences to five-hour junior falconer and hawk management courses.

The longer courses would be restricted to one session per day, while up to two daily sessions could be held for the shorter handling and flying experiences.

According to the proposals, the centre would be managed by two full-time members of staff, supported by six part-time volunteers.

The business says its appointment-only approach would allow visitor numbers, vehicle movements and daily activities to be carefully controlled.

Teignbridge Council are expected to make a decision on the application by December 15.

To view the plans in full, and to comment on the application, visit the council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/01595/FUL’ into the search-box.