PLANS to redevelop the Carlton Cinema site in Okehampton to create 15 flats go before West Devon councillors next week ? recommended for refusal. Planning officers are recommending the scheme be rejected because they say they are concerned about the poor standard of amenity for future residents. The plans are for a three-storey building to provide 15 two-bedroom flats, together with associated on and off-site parking spaces and a linked application for conservation area consent for the demolition of the cinema building. The designs show a decorative feature within the front facade facing St James Street in an effort to reflect the art deco facade of the cinema. Planning officers note that the cinema has not been used for at least a year, and although the facility is described as a ?sad loss for the town?, they believe the retention of the building would not secure its future use as a cinema. Officer opinion is that the demolition of the building should be supported, but as the current scheme for the redevelopment of the site is not considered to be acceptable, they say approving demolition now would be unwise. Okehampton Town Council acknowledged that the cinema site was a prime town centre location, suitable for residential development, but members raised a number of objections. They felt the proposed development was over-dominant in the surrounding area, that the density of flats was too high and the development would result in increased traffic flow. They were also anxious over noise concerns and the lack of open spaces and amenity areas for tenants. But if permission were to be granted, the town council also requested the following conditions: that permission to demolish the cinema be deferred until plans were approved for the development of the site, and that the art deco facade and steps be retained The borough council?s principal environmental health officer says in a report prepared for the planning committee: ?It is clear that the presence of the flats would impact on the current running of the neighbouring public house and it is likely to involve them in restrictions on present activities and possibly costly alterations, which, in any event, are unlikely to completely resolve the problems.? In conclusion, the planning officers? report states that redevelopment of the site is ?acceptable in principle?, even taking into account the deficiency in parking provision and the issue of noise. ?However, on balance it is considered that the application should be refused on the grounds that it provides no usable amenity space for future residents,? the report states, noting this is contrary to policy advice contained in the Local Plan. The planning application is due to be discussed by members of the borough?s planning committee at their meeting in Tavistock on Tuesday.
