Greendale Launches High Court Challenge to Save Santa’s Grotto and NHS Vaccination Centre
Greendale Farm Shop has launched a High Court challenge following a planning dispute that could lead to the removal of an NHS drive-through vaccination centre and a building used for one of Devon’s most popular Christmas attractions, Santa’s Grotto.
The decision follows a recent Planning Inspectorate ruling upholding enforcement action by East Devon District Council requiring the removal of two buildings at the Greendale Farm Shop site and the return of the land to agricultural use. The buildings are used for community healthcare provision and family events including Santa’s Grotto, Santa Paws and Greendale’s annual Christmas Circus, which attract thousands of visitors each year.
Unless the decision is overturned, this could be the last Christmas families are able to visit Santa’s Grotto at Greendale.
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NHS Vaccination Centre Supporting Hundreds Each Week
One of the buildings is currently leased by the NHS, which operates a drive-through vaccination centre.
Greendale says the facility vaccinates between 200 and 500 people per week, providing an accessible service for many local residents who would otherwise struggle to access vaccinations.
A spokesperson for Greendale said: “The NHS wishes to remain in occupation and the centre continues to provide an important local healthcare service. At the same time, the other building is used by the Farm Shop to host events that local families have come to value and enjoy.
“We believe the full community benefit of these facilities has not been fully reflected in the decisions made so far.”
Greendale says buildings have existed in these locations for more than 25 years, previously operating as free-range chicken houses. Both structures had received planning approvals allowing their conversion from agricultural use as part of an approved farm diversification.
The current dispute began after former chicken sheds were replaced with new structures. East Devon District Council later concluded that the replacements exceeded permitted development rights and refused a retrospective planning application submitted in 2023.
Subsequent appeals to the Planning Inspectorate were unsuccessful, and an enforcement notice was issued requiring removal of the buildings and associated parking areas.
Greendale has now submitted a High Court challenge, stating that it believes there are legal grounds for the decision to be reviewed.
Year-Round Community Use
Beyond healthcare and Christmas activities, the building is used throughout the year for family events and serves as the base for the weekly Saturday morning community Parkrun
Greendale says the facility has become an important community hub alongside the Farm Shop, café and existing attractions nearby.
The spokesperson added: “These buildings sit alongside long-established facilities at the Farm Shop and replace structures that have been on the site for decades. Our intention has always been to support local families, community activity and essential services.”
Commitment to East Devon
Greendale says it remains committed to working constructively with planning authorities while continuing to support local employment, healthcare provision and community events.
From its beginnings as an honesty-box egg stall, Greendale has grown into an award-winning farm shop, café and restaurant selling produce from its own farms and fishing fleet alongside local goods.
Today Greendale employs more than 175 people, making it one of the area’s significant rural employers and a major contributor to the local economy.
