Tickety-Boo submits application for pirate ship and flats

Plans for a swashbuckling new play area and three one-bedroom flats at an Ottery coffee shop have been submitted.

Tickety-Boo owner Stuart Phillips (pictured) has applied to extend the business’s current play kingdom and create a trio of properties on the first and second floor of the building.

He said the town lacked ‘affordable’ options for young people and the proposed dwellings would be ‘modern accommodation’ at ‘reasonable prices’.

Mr Phillips added: “Ottery is lacking in affordable homes for younger people – even with all the new building going on in and around the town.

“These flats will provide modern accommodation that is reasonably priced, enabling young people to get their feet on the first rung of the housing ladder.”

As part of the application, the Mill Street business would open the rear of the building for the play area - to be accessible from Hind Street - giving parents with buggies and wheelchair users easier access.

Mr Phillips said the extra play area would feature a new pirate ship and ball pit and would include more seating for parents.

He added: “We’ve been astonished by the reaction to the business and the number of customers regularly visiting Tickety-Boo to enjoy food and drink and bring children to use the play kingdom.

“If the project goes ahead, there will be some disturbance to our neighbours, but we will work hard as always to ensure the minimum of disruption.”

East Devon District Council will decide the fate of the application.