A LONG running battle over repairs to one of Tavistock?s most prominent buildings has finally been resolved. The town?s Grade II Listed town hall, in the heart of Tavistock?s conservation area, has been in need of restoration since November 2001, when some panels in its vaulted ceiling fell down. Since then, the ceiling has been covered in bright green netting to protect hall users, while town councillors debated the best route forward, between an expensive restoration using traditional lath and plaster, or a cheaper option using modern materials. Having finally opted for a modern repair, the council has been battling with planners and English Heritage in an effort to achieve an economic solution. West Devon Borough Council?s planning committee last week considered an application to underdraw the existing batten and plaster ceiling with glassroc boarding. Planning officer Edward Persse said: ?This application was deferred last year to allow officers more time to consult with English Heritage. ?It was discovered there were existing original laths in parts of the ceiling, in other words, when the original repairs works were undertaken, the whole roof wasn?t replaced. ?Bearing that in mind, officers are now content with the proposal to underdraw the ceiling, because this is seen as the best way to protect those lathes that are original.? The committee agreed to grant consent, provided the defective panels were repaired using traditional methods, before the ceiling was underdrawn. Town councillors at last week?s meeting of the properties committee welcomed the decision. Cllr Ted Sherrell said: ?I think this is a triumph for the persistence of this council in the face of lunacy ? it?s common sense and restores your faith a bit.? Town clerk Roger Howard said the decision was ?jolly good news?. ?Now we know what we are doing we can get a proper estimate, which I should think will be about half the cost.? Col Howard said from the ground, no-one would be able to tell they were not looking at the original ceiling, but it would still exist under the new under-drawing. And when finances allowed, the council would still like to see the ceiling restored traditionally. ?For now, I think it?s good news and it?s a good common sense decision. I think it?s nice to know people do now think about the effect on the council tax payer,? said Col Howard, who estimated the decision would probably save the council around £50,000. The work on the ceiling is due to be started at the beginning of 2007.
