A NEW development of flats is to be built on the site of an old chapel within Tavistock?s conservation area, following the green light from West Devon?s planning committee. The eight flats and two maisonettes will be built on the Old Chapel site in Barley Market Street, diagonally opposite the Bird?s Nest Restaurant. The committee heard the proposed building would be large and fairly imposing, but classical in design and that it would make a ?positive impact? on this part of the conservation area. There were also concerns from residents and the County Highways department over parking provision at the site. The committee heard that the developers had allowed six parking spaces for the ten properties, which represented 60% parking coverage. Planning officer Ed Persse said: ?The issue of car parking does cause great concern to local residents, highways officers and planning officers alike. ?However, a balance does need to be struck between trying to redevelop brownfield sites and the provision of parking and, in this particular case, officer view is that parking provision is just acceptable.? The committee agreed to delegate the application to the borough planning officer to grant, subject to conditions, including completion of an archaeological report and works to provide adequate sewerage capacity for the area.
