PLANS to convert two historic buildings in Tavistock for residential use went before West Devon planners last week. The former Kaminski?s Garden Centre in Parkwood Road, which was once a brass and iron foundry, is the subject of an application by Cavanna Homes for 46 homes. Members of West Devon Borough Council?s planning committee agreed to hold a site inspection before deciding the proposal. But they turned down plans to convert part of the former Bedford Iron Foundry at Lakeside into a dwelling. The two foundries were key to Tavistock?s inclusion in the Cornwall and West Devon?s World Heritage Mining Site bid, which was successful recently. World Heritage Status does not prevent historic buildings being converted into residential accommodation, but designs have to preserve and enhance so the authenticity and integrity of the buildings remain intact. Chief planning officer Stephen Gill said development would not stop because of the new status, but elements of the bid which had outstanding universal value would be promoted and the former foundry site in Parkwood Road was one of them. ?With a conversion like this it is a case of getting the details exactly right,? he said. Tavistock was rebuilt in the mid 19th century with profits from the copper mining industry and its layout together with its three foundries, the Bedford ?miners? cottages? and Tavistock Canal were the four vital components of the bid. Cavanna Homes wants to convert existing buildings to 14 residential units and erect 32 more on the site. Members asked for a site inspection to look at the density of the housing. Some members felt it was too high and would crowd the heritage building and neighbouring dwellings. They will also consider some changes to the design and other aspects of the plan. Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs S Luke were told their conversion plans for the foundry at Lakeside needed a ?fundamental redesign? to prevent damaging the authenticity of the building. Conservation officer Roger Duce felt the alterations to some roof trusses were unacceptable because they were very much part of the old building and a feature of the listing. The instalment of five new windows would also change the look of the building. He said with the new heritage status the council should be expecting more restorative properties. ?There is an opportunity here to enhance the building which is being missed,? he said. Mrs Luke said the proposal affected less than a quarter of the building and removed the extension which disfigured the foundry. ?Whilst the foundry was used for 24 years to produce mining machinery it has also been home to a funeral business for 124 years in its present layout? she said. The building was also used by a furniture-making business. Cllr Dick Eberlie said he hoped the committee would do its best to ensure this building eventually became a family home with the workshops and offices below.
