Artist's eco-homes plan is set to invigorate town

WORLD famous artist Damien Hirst is planning a groundbreaking multi-million pound development in North Devon, the Journal can reveal.

Hirst, said to be the world's richest living artist, wants to build 500 high quality eco-homes on land at Winsham Farm near Killacleave, Ilfracombe.

The artist, famed for works such as a jewel-encrusted skull and preserved dissected animals, already has several interests locally including a restaurant on Ilfracombe quay, an art studio at Mullacott and a home in Combe Martin.

He hopes this latest "visionary" development will create a national blueprint for environmental housing and help regenerate Ilfracombe.

The scheme was revealed at a meeting in the resort by Damien Hirst's architect Mike Rundell.

He says the development could make Ilfracombe a pioneer in sustainable housing and says the artist is "incredibly excited" about the project. The houses could include hidden wind turbines in the roofs, photovoltaic panels and state-of-the-art insulation.

Damien Hirst says he wants the houses to attract young, creative families to the area, boast spectacular views and be the kind of home he would want to live in.

He wants the project to create a new gateway to Ilfracombe and attract enough wealth and business to allow the town to grow.

A planning application is likely to be submitted this summer and building work could start as early as next year.

Turn to page 5 for the full story.