A PLAN for a three storey building in Bannawell Street, Tavistock, has been turned down because of its scale and detrimental effect on a listed viaduct which it would 'wrap-around'. The building, comprising ten flats, would obscure views of the viaduct and be over-dominant in the conservation area, said West Devon planners who also described the six on-site parking spaces as inadequate. Their views were shared by English Heritage and the County Highways department. Cllr Roy Connelly said the development of the site was not an issue. 'Many residents say any development on that site would improve the current state of the area. However, the design of the building, its mass, height and wrap-around effect to the viaduct is out of keeping with what is a true conservation area,' he said. Architect Colin Ritchie said the population of the South West was increasing and there was Government pressure to make housing available, not only to people who wanted to retire to this area but also to single parent families and single people. He said: 'Bannawell is clearly suitable for residential development and already has outline permission to do so. 'We feel our proposal conforms to Government planning recommendations and there are more modern buildings than this one in Bannawell Street.' The proposed building was to be sited adjacent to and partly under the viaduct.
