CONTROVERSIAL plans to install a circular stone glass peace window at Milton Abbot Primary School come before West Devon planners for a second time next week ? with refusal again being recommended by the borough?s conservation officer.

The school?s original application was refused last November as it was considered by the planning committee and the conservation officer to ?adversely affect the character of the Listed building?.

In the revised application, the proposed window is shown as being set within a circular moulded timber frame, with the spandrels glazed. It is also now proposed to re-instate the original pattern of glazing bars on the twin of the window.

The council?s conservation officer states in his recommendations: ?The new proposal would still involve removal of the central mullion from the window in question and the symmetry of the two windows on either side of the chimney would once again be lost.?

He comments that ?most buildings can sustain a certain amount of alteration, this one being no exception?. However, he says, they are dealing with ?a beautifully composed, sensitive and quite prominent façade and, in spite of the improvements seen in this application, the cumulative effect on the character of the building continues to be negative?. He therefore recommends refusal.

Milton Abbot Parish Council is said to ?fully support the application subject to it meeting the Listed Building Regulations?.

Ward member Cllr Dilwyn Hughes said a previous Duke of Bedford had endowed the school and the current duke was ?very much in favour? of the new peace window.

The window?s design was being looked at by schools around the country who had expressed an interest in having one, Cllr Hughes said. A window had already been installed in St Austell and one had gone to New York.

He said: ?In 50 years? time people would think how terrific it was to have a peace window.

?If children have a minute?s silence every day at school for five or six years they will never forget it. It will make them think ? it will make everyone think,? he added.

If the application was turned down again it would be taken to appeal, he said: ?If we believe in something we have to follow it through.?

The decision will be taken at the council?s planning committee in Tavistock on Tuesday.Ann