PLANNERS have given the green light to developers who want to change the old Unigate Dairy in Tavistock town centre into a cafe complex with shops and flats.
Until recently, the unusual riverside two-storey stone building in Market Road was used as a salvage centre.
Originally, developers David Trathen and Vaughan Goode wanted to demolish the main building, which is in the Tavistock Conservation Area, and rebuild it in a similar style.
After discussions with the conservation officer, they decided to keep the original building and last Tuesday West Devon Borough Council's planning committee voted to back the full application for two shops, a cafe with patio area and five flats.
The committee also agreed to remove one of the eight conditions stating that no balconies should be build on the elevation overlooking the river.
Concerns over privacy had been expressed from residents in Dolvin Road but principal planning officer Jane Green said the river was 'fairly wide at this point'.
She said: 'There are 20 metres between the site and nearest part of a neighbouring garden opposite.'
Other conditions include:
l cafe/restaurant shall only open between 8am and 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 10.30pm Sundays
l details of external finishes and roofing materials, patio, wall adjacent to the River Tavy and new pavement.
Cllr Caroline Keane said she thought it was a 'welcome addition to the town' but thought the finish was very important and would like the application to go back to the committee to discuss building detail.
'It is not a listed building, although I know it is a sensitive area — but this would delay the application,' she said.
Cllr Dick Eberlie said: 'I believe this is a very good report (planning officer's) and a fair one. My main concern is over parking and access but I note the county highways are happy which comes as a surprise to me.'