A SCHEME to enhance Fairplace Gardens has been approved by planners despite objections to the location of a toilet block which neighbouring residents said would pose a security hazard.
The proposal to replace the existing toilets and improve the garden area is part of West Devon Borough Council's £1-million enhancement plan for Okehampton.
When members of the council's planning committee deferred the Fairplace plan last month for a site meeting, there were fears that any further delays could result in the town losing out on vital European cash.
Residents of Peel House, which is adjacent to the Fairplace Gardens, claim they were 'ignored' when they took part in the public consultation over the scheme.
At a meeting of the planning committee on Tuesday, resident Colin Webb said it was not necessary to have the toilets against the boundary wall of Peel House, given the size of the gardens.
'At the moment we are detached and we do not wish to become semi-detached to a toilet,' he said.
A report from the police highlighted a potential security risk from the close proximity of the toilet's pitched roof to a first floor window of the house. Mr Webb said it would inevitably mean the insurance on the property would increase.
'If the building was circular like we suggested, it could be moved off the wall without any detriment to the building, landscaping or anything else,' he said.
Planning officer Jane Green said a revised scheme showed a one-metre void at the rear of the building but this would be roofed over.
'This will provide a greater separation between the functional part of the building and the neighbouring property,' she said.
Architect Steve Whettem said there was a history of vandalism problems at that site and the reason for placing the toilets next to the wall was to prevent any problems at the rear.
'This will allow for a natural surveillance of the building,' he said. 'We also wanted to get away from a flat roof to stop children skateboarding on it.'