Congratulations to the more than 3,000 signatories of this online petition. You have helped to Save Manning’s Pit for many years into the future by highlighting to our local council, the wider community and the owners of the land just how important Manning’s Pit is to us all. Three major developments now allow us to declare victory. Earlier this year the owners of Manning’s Pit, Summix Ltd, withdrew their planning application for a housing development on the land. Then, at the end of October, came the fantastic news that the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan had been adopted. This places Manning’s Pit outside the area deemed acceptable for future housing development. Effectively safeguarding the land for at least another 5 years - when the plan is due for review. It is of course our hope that the protection will continue well beyond that date. Finally, North Devon Council has now designated Manning’s Pit an Asset of Community Value. That means that should owners Summix Ltd wish to sell the land they must first inform North Devon Council. If that were to happen then The Friends of Manning’s Pit can put the sale on hold for six months to allow time to raise money to make an offer of purchase. So, it’s a victory and one we should all celebrate. The Friends of Manning’s Pit will of course remain vigilant for any future threat to the land. In the words of one of our supporters in an Arthurian role – sleeping knights ready to rouse from slumber at the first sign of danger. We would like to thank North Devon Council, North Devon Planning Dept, Barnstaple Town Council, the local community and all our business supporters for helping to make this victory possible. We also congratulate Summix Ltd on recognising the power of opposition to the development of Manning’s Pit and for withdrawing their planning application. We remain open to discussions with them about the future of the fields. In the meantime, If you would like further information, and to follow upcoming articles on heritage and community issues around Manning’s Pit please visit our website: www.manningspit.com and our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/manningspit