Planning granted for self build next to Britain's 'oldest home' — a cave formed 2.5 million years ago

Planning permission has been granted for a new family home in Torquay, Devon, located next to Kents Cavern, a site recognised as Britain's oldest human dwelling.

The location – a 1,150m² plot nestled in a coastal headland within the Ilsham Valley –offers a unique challenge due to its proximity to the ancient cave, where human activity dates back almost 50,000 years ago.

With construction set to begin on the 257m² self build in March 2025, we look at why the site was chosen for the new home and how planning permission was gained for such a historic plot.

What is Kent's Cavern and why was it chosen for the project?

Kents Cavern, a scheduled ancient monument and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is a significant heritage site within the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, reflecting the area’s rich geological history and cultural heritage.

The plot is located in the Ilsham Valley, Torquay, near beaches and the South Devon Coast Path, adjacent to the entrance of Kents Cavern, Britain’s oldest home.

Kents Cavern was chosen as the site for this self build project, according to StudioFolk Architects, due to its location being "stunning and of significant geological interest".

'We wanted a home that combines and enhances the natural environment'

StudioFolk’s say their design draws inspiration from the rich Arts and Crafts architectural history of the region, incorporating a large catslide roof with clay tiles that they claim balance privacy and natural light.

The home’s material palette includes locally sourced natural stone and lightweight timber, aiming to minimise embodied carbon.

Owners of the plot, Nick and Sheena said: “Our brief was ambitious, with plenty of unknowns from the outset. Most significantly, the feasibility of building on the site with such proximity to an internationally significant historic site with UNESCO status was an uncertainty which StudioFolk helped navigate.

“We wanted a home that combines and enhances the natural environment, its coastal and village setting, but affords a screen to both be protected from, but to enjoy, the successful visitor attraction on our doorstep."

How was planning permission secured next to the historic site?

Planning permission was secured next to the historic site by, according to Torquay Council, paying "respect the local character in terms of height, scale and bulk, and reflect the identity of its surroundings".

StudioFolk Architects said their aim was to place a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and thoughtful integration with the historic surroundings.

The project includes air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems (MVHR), aligning with the Torquay Neighbourhood Plan’s standards.

Edward Powe, Managing Director of StudioFolk Architects, said: "The approval of this complex and sensitive site sets a new benchmark for us. Our approach was to combine the natural environment with the coastal and village setting, while also respecting the significance of our historic neighbour, Kents Cavern."