A GRADE II listed building in Tavistock town centre is to be restored to its former glory, after permission was unanimously granted for a £500,000 redevelopment scheme. Wessex Heritage Ltd won consent for change of use of the redundant shop at 22 Market Street, heralding the start of the project to revive the building, described in its current rundown condition as a 'eyesore' by Cllr Christine Grills. The historic building is to be redeveloped as a café and shop. John Taylor from Wessex Heritage told members of West Devon Borough Council's planning committee it had taken 14 schemes and years of work in consultation with English Heritage to get to this stage. Mr Taylor said: 'This is one of Tavistock's most historic and interesting timber framed buildings that is probably over 400 years old.' The whole building, parts of which are listed and others not, currently comprises two commercial units — a retail unit in Market Street and a takeaway in King Street — and a maisonette. It is proposed to create a delicatessen on Market Street, with a cafe entrance at King Street leading to the cafe on ground and first floors, plus a retained second floor flat with its own access. Mr Taylor said the shop had been empty for 15 months and the upper floor unoccupied for 12 years. As well as restoring the building, he said he wanted to revitalise the area. 'There is a shortage of good food establishments in the town to complement the businesses,' said Mr Taylor. 'In 2006 we won the best local food town award for Tavistock and as a result, lots of people are coming to the town looking for food outlets.' He told councillors there would be a narrow spiral staircase to the first floor and a glazed area overlooking Bank Square. The café would include an area where the head chef would cook and display his dishes. But Tavistock Town Council opposed the scheme, saying it was concerned over the restricted width of the pavement and road outside the King Street entrance. Local businessman Graham Skedgell said the shop or retail part of the application would consist of nothing more than a counter area. The old shop storage area would be taken over as part of the cafe. 'The retention of retail floor space is fundamental to ensure the town's vitality,' he said. 'Any loss will be harmful to the town centre.' He said there was a significant need for retail space within the borough, especially in Tavistock. The committee was told that there were four empty shops in Market Street — but the demand was for larger units. Cllr Christine Grilsl said: 'I think it is good something is being done to it. 'It is getting an eyesore and every week it get worse.' Cllr Bill Cann said Tavistock was a lovely centre for shopping and this proposal would only help to improve it further.
