PLANNERS have rejected a scheme to redevelop the Exeter Road Garage site in Okehampton because of concerns over its design and dominance on neighbouring properties.
West Devon Borough Council?s planning committee was warned last week that the town could end up with another ?dog?s breakfast like the Laburnum estate? if the plan for 24 flats and four shops was approved.
Councillors heard that 16 windows from one of the two-storey buildings would overlook 59 Exeter Road and although attempts had been made to overcome this by using obscured glass on first floor windows and creating limited opening capability, it was considered detrimental to future occupiers of the flats.
There were also issues raised over the lack of open space and play area, especially since the one and two bedroom flats would be aimed at first-time buyers with young children.
Thirteen letters of objection were sent to the planning authority from local residents who felt the homes should be single-storey.
Paul Bruce, who was speaking on behalf of his parents, who live in 59 Exeter Road, claimed the development would ?totally violate any privacy they had?.
?In March 2002 we were granted permission to build a home at the rear of the bungalow on the condition that it was single-storey to protect the visual amenity of residents,? he said. ?Will a multi-storey development protect our amenity??
The committee was told that the ground levels on the garage site were more than six feet lower than at the bungalow, and this would go a long way towards accommodating an extra storey.
Brian Turner, agent for the applicant, said this site had been carefully considered and discussions over the proposals had taken place with planning officers, who recommended the application for approval, prior to submission.
?The scheme has been designed not to dominate the area and with regard to the site levels there would be significant excavation,? he said.
Mr Turner added they were very mindful of No 59?s amenity, and photographs had been taken from the property of views and aspects to make sure careful thought went into the design.
Planning officer Jane Green said the main living accommodation faced towards the parking/courtyard area and the obscured glass windows would be in the bedrooms where a view was not as important.
Cllr Jayne Hill, who represents Okehampton, said the Bruces? complaint was not ?nimbyism? because they had lived next door to a petrol station and had to put up with lots of noise and people and cars coming and going.
?These flats would be more intrusive than what is already there,? she said. ?Redevelopment of this site is to be applauded and a mix of residential and retail is very advantageous, but I feel strongly that we must look at a single-storey scheme.
?If we are not careful we could end up with another dog?s breakfast like Laburnum where the visual impact is very jarring to the eye.?