THE consequences of extending Tavistock's Conservation Area are to be the subject of an extraordinary meeting in the town next week.

Members of the town council's finance committee expressed concern over some of the proposals contained in a draft character appraisal document, drawn up by the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership and currently up for public consultation.

The document is intended to support a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which could draw in several million pounds worth of funding to the town.

Cllr Debo Sellis said: 'They include removal of car parking in this. It's a massive subject and I have seen so many things in this document I want to question.

'It almost seems like they are just paying lip service to the residents of Tavistock — this is seriously going to affect people if this goes through.

'We are duty-bound to make sure there is absolute transparency in this — they must realise what the potential implications are.'

Cllr David Whitcomb said he disliked the tone of the document and reminded members that the town council was supporting the heritage partnership financially.

He said he was opposed to spending money on a report that 'knocked' the town.

Cllr Mandy Govier said: 'There are some bits of it that are almost like dictats.'

And Cllr Michael Harper said he felt the document appeared more 'law rather than recommendation'.

Finance committee chairman Cllr Harry Smith said there would be financial implications for the council if the proposals were adopted: 'We may have to spend money — or lose income. Both ways we could lose money and we need to be aware of this.'

The committee agreed that Robert Plumb, the borough council's regeneration officer, should be invited to the town council's full meeting, which was due to be held on Tuesday.

An extraordinary meeting to discuss the draft character appraisal document and its implications will be held in the council chamber at 7pm on Monday November 10.

The Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan documents involve proposed changes to the boundary of Tavistock conservation area to include more areas and properties.

Areas which may be added include Kelly College and adjoining buildings; The Meadows, River Tavy and Benson's Meadow; Housing in College Avenue, Parkwood Road, Old Exeter Road, Trelawny Road, Russell Court, Glanville Road and Courtenay Road, Lawson's and Tavistock Hospital; properties in Spring Hill, Plymouth Road Cemetery, St John's House, Deer Park Lodge and the former quarry area, as well as the field and mature trees along Mount Tavy Road.

The plans can be viewed at the borough council offices at Kilworthy Park and are available on the council's website http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk

Comments are welcome up to Thursday December 4.