ANYONE travelling down Plymouth Road in Tavistock over the past few months or so cannot help but notice the ’unveiling’ of a a contemporary residential development, after months of hiding behind builders’ towers of scaffold.

‘Seventy One’ stands on the junction at Pixon Lane. It incorporates the former Toll House, which has now been converted into a three bedroom cottage, behind which stands a block of stylish apartments. Its developer Shaun Mitchell arrived at the name ‘Seventy One’ as the address is 71, Plymouth Road, and there are also seven apartments and one cottage.

The scheme has not been without controversy, and was only granted planning permission after a long drawn-out process, much due to concerns over the historic Toll House, which has stood at the site since the 1830s.

Mr Mitchell, who is Tavistock born and bred, is proud to bring such an ambitious development to his home town but admitted he is ‘mightily relieved’ to see Seventy One finally constructed and opening its doors to its new occupants.

Mr Mitchell left Tavistock College in 1990 to become a local apprentice carpenter before working for himself as a general builder. In 2007 he decided to concentrate on becoming a developer — purchasing sites, building and making sure it was to a high quality.

He is now hoping that those who first opposed the development will understand what a gamble it was to invest in such an ambitious development and that they appreciate the problems overcome.

‘The logistics of the site were horrendous and the groundworks was a challenge in itself. We had to build a retaining wall structure and then pile drive 48 columns, between nine and 14 metres deep through cobbles into rock bed.

‘Then because it was near to an old mine shaft we had to dispose of tonnes of contaminated soil, with all the problems of control and environmental soil.

‘As it is next to an electrical sub station all the cables which served the nearby industrial estate had to be diverted and we also had to cap a shaft which was on the boundary of the site.’

But all these setbacks have now been overcome and in its place lies a development which overlooks meadowland and the town park and offers the latest contemporary living has to offer.

All the low maintenance apartments are energy efficient and have acoustic sound proofing glass to shut out traffic noise; each has either a roof terrace or balcony to enjoy. There’s even a communal lift.

‘Personally I knew it was going to be a challenge but what we have achieved now in offering high-spec residential accommodation in this part of the town has more than compensated for it. Steve Whettems, the architect, has done a brilliant design. Each apartment is different and unique, all to the highest standards. I’ve also had a good team of sub-contractors, who are all employed from within a 20 mile radius.

‘Success, I think, is being willing to think outside the box and overcome the problems and hurdles you have to face. My vision was to bring a landmark residential development of high quality and design to the town and I feel I have achieved it.’

The project has been designed by local architect Stephen Whettem, based at the Works in Dolvin Road, Tavistock.

Mr Whettem, who has won both local and regional awards for his designs, told the Times: ‘Our design intentions from the outset were to create a visually appealing contemporary housing scheme with a public presence appropriate to the site’s position at one of Tavistock’s historic entry points. We’re delighted Number Seventy-One is capturing people’s imagination the way it is and congratulate Shaun Mitchell for having the vision and determination to overcome the project’s challenges.’

His sentiments are echoed by the property agent for the development.

Estate agent Steve England, who has more than 25 years experience of property sales and valuation in West Devon and East Cornwall, is full of admiration for what the developer has pulled off.

‘When Shaun told me about his plans despite all the problems associated with this site, I had my doubts but what has been achieved is absolutely superb.

‘To build modern, contemporary accommodation of this quality in this location next to a busy road and an industrial estate was quite a gamble but you only have to see what an absolutely stunning development it is and one which can only enhance the whole area.’