A DEVELOPER who constructed a building more than 1.2 metres higher than he should have this week narrowly avoided an enforcement ordering him to bring down the height of the development.

West Devon's planning committee at its meeting on Monday overturned officers' recommendations to refuse approval for the increase in height at the rear of the old Unigate site in Market Street.

Consent to build a shop, café, patio area and flats on the Unigate site was granted to developer David Trathen some time ago.

But the rear elevation of the building is higher by between 1.2 and 1.6 metres than detailed on the original plans.

Planning officer Edward Persse told Monday's meeting that the height increase was giving 'great concern' to the owners of the neighbouring property.

Mr Persse said: 'Officer view is that the increase in height does have a detrimental effect by reason of being over-dominant and leads to unacceptable loss of sunlight.'

Cllr Dick Eberlie, ward member for Tavistock North, said the height of the building 'seriously damages' the amenities of the neighbours.

While Cllr Eberlie accepted the front of the building was an advantage to the town, the height of the rear elevation was 'massive' in comparison with the previous structure and had made an 'enormous difference' to the neighbours in terms of light and privacy.

He was 'quite sure' if the committee had known how high the building was going to end up, they would not have granted planning permission.

Mr Trathen admitted mistakes had been made, but said he had made 'every effort' to appease his neighbour and alter aspects of the building to comply with planning regulations.

Cllr Roger Mathew, chairman of the committee, proposed the committee should refuse the increase in height. An enforcement order could then be imposed, reducing the wall to the originally approved height.

But Cllr Noel Cartwright proposed the wall should stay.

Cllr Cartwright said: 'I don't accept that the loss of light is as serious as Cllr Eberlie has stated. It's in line with buildings in the centre of the commercial part of Tavistock — I can find no reason to reject it.'

The committee agreed by five votes to four to permit the increase in wall height, on condition a balcony wall should be reduced in height by two blocks and an opaque glass wall installed.