PLANNERS have turned down a proposal in Tavistock for the change of use of agricultural buildings for light industrial use because of access problems and the effect on nearby residents. Mark Bassett?s plan for the site at Higher Wilminstone Farm to store and valet vehicles associated with a car sales business in Pixon Lane was recommended for approval by West Devon Borough Council?s planning officers, subject to conditions including limiting use to no more than 15 vehicles. Resident Tony Clark, who lives in one of the four properties on the narrow approach lane to the site, said he and his neighbours moved to Wilminstone because of the ?peace and quiet.? He was also concerned about potential vandalism. The planning committee was told that cars would be driven to and from the site ?carefully? and not transported on large vehicles as was feared locally. Members voiced concern about the erosion of the lane and the difficulty of imposing conditions with one enforcement officer covering the whole borough. Chairman Roger Mathew said if Higher Wilminstone Farm returned to a working farm there would be a lot more vehicles and mess on the lane than the planning application would create and there was nothing planners could do about it.
