Call for blue plaque for man who designed town

Plans for a blue plaque to be erected in memory of a famous Budleigh architect have been supported by the town council.

Budleigh resident Dr Anita Jennings proposed to members of Budleigh Salterton Town Council this week that the plaque be placed on the Public Hall in memory of William Hatchard-Smith, who designed the hall and council offices, along with 50 houses in the town which are widely regarded for their elegant design.

Councillors were happy to back the scheme, agreeing with Dr Jennings that the hall would be a more practical and visible location than one of the private homes he designed.

Councillor Dick Mitchell said: “I would like to support it.

“William Hatchard-Smith has been very well remembered and well known in the town.

“He did develop a lot of premises in the town, and some of them are quite renowned.

“It is something I think would be well worthwhile, and we should mount it on the Public Hall.”

The council would not be involved in paying for the plaque, with Dr Jennings telling councillors she could obtain the funding from other sources.

Dr Jennings also updated councillors on her previous proposal for a blue plaque in the town, in memory of artist Joyce Dennys, at her former residence Lion House.

She said that the initial application to East Devon District Council had been turned down, due to complications arising from Lion House’s status as a listed building.

However, Mrs Jennings said well-known architect Paul Humphries was working to sort out the problems.

Town councillors had previously also offered their support for this scheme.