A PLANNING application to build 15 two-bedroom flats on the site of the old Carlton Cinema in Okehampton was last week deferred by West Devon councillors. The committee heard the scheme would see the development of a three-storey building, complete with parking, garaging and amenity area. Ward member Cllr Jayne Hill told the committee she could not support the application ? she felt it was too high and there was not enough amenity space for the 15 flats. ?The application site is right next to a listed building, St James Chapel, and will detract from the area,? she said. Cllr Ken Williams was also concerned about the height of the proposed development. He said: ?I feel because this is a major development in the centre of the town, it would be advantageous for this committee to see it at this stage,? he said. The committee deferred a decision and voted to hold a site visit, on the grounds of the development?s proximity to listed buildings and its proximity to surrounding properties. A previous application to demolish the cinema, which closed almost two years ago, and build 15 flats was turned down in February this year.
