A PLAN to convert a butcher?s shop in the centre of Hatherleigh into flats was turned down by members of the borough council planning committee last week. West Devon councillors, meeting in Okehampton on Tuesday, January 4, discussed the outline application to erect four dwellings on land to the rear of the High Street shop currently occupied by a slaughter house, and the conversion of the butcher?s shop itself into two flats. Planning officers recommended refusal of the plan. The officer?s report stated: ?The width of High Street is such that it is difficult to drive along it without having to stop to allow traffic through from the opposite direction. This is further exacerbated by the presence of parked cars. ?The plans indicate that four car parking spaces would be provided, one each for the four new dwellings.? However, officers said this was below the 1.5 spaces per dwelling recommended in planning policy guidelines. The report adds: ?As a consequence of this, it is more than likely that future occupants? and their visitors? cars will necessarily need to park on High Street, further worsening the problem.? Hatherleigh Town Council had expressed concern at the possible loss of a butcher?s shop which was a town amenity, but Cllr James McInnes said although he appreciated this concern, the future use of the site was up to the applicant. Local residents also raised the issues of overdevelopment of the site and noise and general disruption as well as concerns that the designs were out of keeping with the character of the town, in letters of representation to the committee. Councillors voted to support the recommendation for refusal of the application.
