Road Closure and Cross Hotel, Copplestone Update

Update as of 18/07/25

Works to erect further scaffolding to enable the safe and controlled demolition of the Cross Hotel have now completed. This has enabled the contractor to begin demolition works (from 17 June), with initial works focused on the removal of roofing slates and timbers. The scaffold team is expected to return to site next week (w/c 21 July) to remove and amend elements of the scaffold structure in order to allow the controlled demolition works to continue.

Following on from engagement with neighbours relating to concerns around flood risk associated with the works, a package of works has been agreed to address any risk – including the jetting of storm gullies after the first phase of demolition works is complete.

Further updates will be provided as works progress and the council’s (Mid Devon District Council and Devon County County) will continue to work to enable the A377 to re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.

Update as of 14/07/25

Work to erect further temporary scaffolding to support the building are now expected to complete on the 16/07. The first phase of demolition works are expected to commence shortly thereafter. Works are still expected to take 4-5 weeks to complete with the A377 reopening ASAP thereafter.

Please also note that, after multiple breaches of the safety cordon, CCTV has now been erected on site. For your own safety, please do not breach the safety cordon.

Update as of 04/07/25

After additional engineering input, further scaffolding works are expected to be undertaken from Monday 7 July. This is expected to facilitate the first phase of demolition works, scheduled to commence on Monday 14 July. Because of the complexity of the works involved and the proximity to the public highway, it is expected that the works could take 4-5 weeks to complete with the A377 reopening ASAP thereafter.

Update as of 30/06/25

Demolition preparations on site are ongoing, with initial internal works now complete. Progress on initial demolition work is currently dependent on further assessment by engineers, who are due to attend site this week. Safety remains the top priority, and all parties are proceeding with appropriate caution due to the complex nature of the structure. Once the necessary engineering input is received, demolition works are expected to recommence. We continue to work closely with contractors to support safe progress and enable the reopening of the A377 as soon as possible.

Update as of 23/06/25:

Initial demolition work on the Cross Hotel has begun this morning. Officers from North and Mid Devon Building Control will be monitoring progress on the site and working with all parties to ensure work progresses to make the site safe, allowing for the reopening of the A377 as soon as possible.

Update as of 18/06/25:

Scaffolding is being erected in anticipation of works commencing shortly. A further update will be provided as soon as possible.

Mid Devon District Council’s building control and legal teams are continuing work to secure demolition of the Cross Hotel, and allow the A377 in Copplestone to reopen, while giving the owners of the property further time to make the site safe.

In April the Council issued a letter to the building’s owners, under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984, requiring them to take action to demolish the building and make the site safe. The owners of the building also applied for a demolition notice themselves.

The action taken by the Council followed a structural survey of the property which found the building to be defective and unsafe and required an emergency road and footpath closure to be put in place to ensure the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

While the initial six-week period for demolition work to begin has lapsed, the owners have shown a clear intent to make the site safe and have consulted a number of professionals to support the demolition work, including completing some preparatory internal works. If the owners fail to undertake the next necessary steps, the Council is committed to progressing court action, but at this stage must allow the owners full opportunity to complete the works themselves.

The impact of the road closure on Copplestone and surrounding communities is not underestimated and, whilst it is not possible to say how long the road closure will need to stay in effect at this time, the Council will continue to work with Devon County Council to lift the road closure as soon as it is safe to do so.

Any businesses which feel they are being affected by the ongoing road closure can contact Mid Devon District Council’s business rates team to discuss options available to them. Please call 01884 255 255 or email revenues@middevon.gov.uk.