A PLAN to build homes on one of Tavistock?s key sites of archaeological importance in the World Heritage mining area has been turned down because of over development. Cavanna Homes Ltd was applying for permission to convert the town?s oldest brass and iron foundry building into residential properties and build new homes on the former Kaminski?s Garden Centre site in Parkwood Road. But with a density of approximately 55 dwellings per hectare ?Government guidance recommends between 30 and 50 in urban areas ? West Devon Borough Council?s planning committee considered it too high, particularly at the east end of the site where it would have an ?adverse impact on neighbours?. Councillors last weekwere generally complimentary about the overall scheme being proposed because it preserved the industrial character of the area. It was recommended for approval by planning officers. Conservation officer Roger Duce said the architects in their design and layout had respected the site?s status. He was satisfied the plan improved the setting of the listed foundry building, the treatment of the space around it and access to the building. The former garden centre has outline planning permission for residential development but planners have been considering a detailed application which includes the number of houses, design and layout. Resident of Parkwood Road for 36 years Judith Davies said the development broke Government guidelines and borough council policy on density: ?It is against policy in allowing an unacceptable degree of overlooking. ?A previous plan showed only one row of houses behind our gardens but now a row of town houses are being squashed in as well on a very small plot. ?The curtilage of the foundry building ? a key part of the World Heritage Site ? should not be ruined by this unsightly development.? Planning officer Ed Persse said as this was a brownfield site, densities of housing could be slightly higher because it was a more efficient use of land and saved developing on greenfield sites. Managing director of Cavanna Homes Jeremy Cavanna said the land offered the potential for creating something special. Seven months had been spent negotiating with planning officers to address all the issues. He said the design process had been complex in terms of making sure the listed building was enhanced, addressing the effect on neighbours and making it an attractive development. After a request by members to move the houses on the eastern end back by a metre and put a plaque on the wall where a water-wheel and wheel pit once stood, Mr Cavanna said he was happy to do that. Cllr Dick Eberlie said the lowering of the ground level near to the site access would help to eradicate concerns of people living at the Nook who feared views from their windows would be blocked, but he felt the town houses would crowd too much on the World Heritage building and residents in Nos 43-49 Parkwood Road. Cllr Jo Harrison said a plan to obscure-glaze the south facing first floor bedroom windows in these four properties to prevent overlooking to residents in Parkwood Road was ?absolutely horrendous and a totally unacceptable way to live?. Listed building consent was granted in relations to works to convert the foundry building. Mr Cavanna said he was disappointed the council had not followed the officer?s recommendation: ?We are now considering our options, including appealing against the decision.?