PLANNERS this week granted change of use consent to West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett, who wishes to use retail premises in Okehampton?s St James Street as office accommodation ? despite opposite from the town?s chamber of trade.

West Devon and Torridge Liberal Democrat Association wants to move from its present location in St James Street to the larger premises next to Martin?s Butchers, previously used as two small shops.

Cllr Joan Pauley was concerned about the application. She said: ?This is an area where there are shops, we are trying to encourage people to go along that street to shop and to look at our wonderful illustration and hiker and this shop becomes a party political place, I think it will look wrong.?

Cllr Jayne Hill said: ?My own view is these two shops should be retained as retail outlets ? the applicant already has offices just up the road.?

Cllr Dennis Bater said: ?I agree it?s a shame and I have had phone calls from the chamber of trade, but policy-wise, there?s nothing we can do about it.?

Three letters of objection to the application were received by the committee, expressing concern that the area should be restricted to retail use and that a double-fronted office would not encourage potential customers or add to the character of St James Street.

The committee was told the street was not within the core shopping area of Okehampton as identified in the local plan ? the move could also release the present Liberal Democrat offices in St James Street for possible retail use.