THANK goodness John Burnett MP has spoken out in support of the proposed peace window for Milton Abbot Primary School.
According to Roger Mathew, chairman of the planning committee that refused to sanction the window, ?the issue is whether the proposed development conserves or enhances the character of a listed building?.
He further stated that he regarded as ?rather quaint? that a ?rather garish? circular section should be introduced into the square perpendicular window of a ?fine Victorian building?.
What the peace window will actually replace is a non-original 1950s-style metal casement ? itself hardly an enhancement to the building and certainly not worthy of conservation. Besides, many churches and cathedrals built in the perpendicular style throughout England have circular west windows in their towers ? a fact no doubt appreciated by the Benedictine monk who, I understand, designed and made the proposed
window.
Of course, what many people in Tavistock truly regard as ?quaint? is the notion that such an enhancement can be refused by individuals who have little or no understanding of matters over which they presume to exercise authority.
The children of Milton Abbot deserve better and I welcome the intervention of the local MP. Let us hope good sense will prevail.
Mike Sainsbury
111 Whitchurch Road
Tavistock