AN application for Listed building consent is about to be submitted to carry out work on the Guildhall and former police station in Tavistock, as the Devon Historic Buildings Trust sets about tackling its restoration.

With the permission of English Heritage, the trust proposes to split the group of buildings into two main sections — firstly, the historic Quarter Session Court with its cells, bench and dock, which will all be preserved for posterity; secondly, three residential units will be made available for sale.

The police moved out of the station, built in the 1840s for this purpose, in February to their new premises in Abbey Rise, but the old premises were left with problems of rising damp and resultant damage which is expensive to repair.

Discussions have taken place with planners regarding an application which has the merit of creating income from residential units to raise the cash required to restore the whole complex, including expensive roof repairs.

Jackie Gillespie from Devon architects Gillespie Yunnie, who are advising the trust in this work, said: 'We have been working closely for many months with West Devon Borough Council planning and conservation, English Heritage and the Environment Agency to find a viable solution to the issues presented by this important grade two listed building.

'It has been necessary to commission numerous reports and surveys in support of the application, including flood risk reports, bat surveys, drainage and structural surveys as well as supervising the opening up works to enable our expert team to establish the actual condition of the building.'

The historic section of the building, including the courtroom and cells, will be donated by the trust to a community organisation possibly offered as a meeting room and tourist attraction. The trust is open to ideas and suggestions for future use of this section.

Sue Spackman, a trustee with the Devon Historic Buildings Trust said: 'DHBT truly understands the importance of these buildings to the core of Tavistock and I am delighted that many local people came to the public consultation and the ideas we progressed result from their feedback.

'As with all historic buildings nothing happens overnight as finding a suitable new solution for an historic building takes time.

'Following planning consent DHBT is intending to start work on this important complex.'

Anyone interested in the community aspect of the project or has any ideas should contact Sue Spackman on 01822 615221.