A less obtrusive site for the ‘red tardis’

THE proposed location of a public telephone box in Okehampton which received local opposition because of its prominence has been amended to a site 'less intrusive.'

Planning permission was originally sought by BT Payphones to move the red phone box from the side of the chapel to the front because of the enhancement scheme in the area, but four letters of objection were received.

Local optometrist Angus McPhie said the telephone box would become one of the most visual features in the town.

He described it as a red tardis landing in front of the chapel and said it would detract from the 17th Century building which had remained unscarred for 700 years.

West Devon Borough Council planning officer John Milverton said at the time that the position would be more apparent against the front of the chapel but if people were looking for it they would be able to see it more readily. Other places to site the box would be looked into if people opposed the position.

Mr Milverton confirmed this week the planning authority had a proposal for an amended location behind the chapel near Vicks estate agent.

'As officers we accepted the proposed location in the first instance was over-intrusive,' he said.