PLANNERS have given the thumbs up to an application which would see 16 new flats built in the centre of Tavistock. West Devon Borough Council?s planning committee agreed that buildings in Drake Road, to the rear of the Ordulph Arms, could be demolished to make way for the flats, which will be built to the rear and side of the Grade II Listed pub. The committee, at its meeting in Okehampton, heard that demolition of the buildings was ?entirely acceptable?. Planning officer Ed Persse told members: ?The building does nothing to add to the quality or character of the Conservation Area, therefore its removal would be most welcome ? the replacement is considered entirely acceptable.? The committee heard the design of the block of flats was ?big and quite imposing? but included fine design details plus timber windows and doors, a roof terrace and balconies, which combined to create an impressive building that would enhance the conservation area. The committee heard objections had been received regarding loss of light and overlooking and concern the building could be over-dominant. County Highways had also raised the issue of parking spaces on the site. The meeting heard the applicants were aware of concerns over noise and were willing to address the issue. Loss of light affecting the garage at the rear of the site was considered minimal. As far as parking was concerned, the application had been amended to provide eight parking spaces as opposed to ten, after two proposed spaces were rejected as being dangerous. The original application had only included five spaces. Planning officers considered eight spaces ?just acceptable?. The committee recommended the application was delegated to the borough planning officer to grant, subject to several conditions, including the implementation of a bat and owl survey and submission of soundproofing measures. No work will take place until an archaeological assessment of the site has been completed, and the sewerage system has been updated to provide adequate capacity.
