THE refurbishment of public toilets in the Guildhall Square in Tavistock won approval from West Devon Borough Council?s planning committee last week. Despite concerns over the new design?s impact on the historic square, where the majority of buildings are Grade II listed, councillors voted to approve the scheme. Nine letters of objection were submitted to the planning authority from local residents, relating to the historic importance of the site. And there was concern about the doors opening onto the square, resulting in a loss of privacy. Cllr Mandy Govier said she was not happy about the position of the doors and did not feel the design was right for Tavistock. Cllr Roy Connelly also raised concerns. Planning officer Ed Persse said it was the officers? view that the proposal did not adversely affect the listed buildings within the conservation area and world heritage site. The refurbishment involves the alteration of the building to create open access toilets and a new pitched roof is to be added. Devon County Council, who are consultees on the world heritage site, have indicated that they are unlikely to object to the remodelling of the toilets. Cllr William Cann said a lot of effort had gone into the plan for the new toilets. ?It is a nice design and the officers are doing their best ? I think we should support it,? he said.
