TOWN councillors in North Tawton have decided to support the proposed redevelopment of the town's former woollen mill site to 59 new residential units.

While councillors and members of the public had some concerns about infrastructure and traffic in the town, the council last week agreed the site had become 'a hazardous and dangerous eyesore' and that the current proposal represented the best opportunity for development.

Cllr Pat Ward said: 'This site has become untidy, dangerous and derelict. Many of the arguments about traffic and infrastructure were brought up about the Strawberry Fields development and that has not been disastrous for the town.

'If we do not support this development proposal, what then for the site? It is a hazardous and dangerous eyesore and needs to be dealt with.'

The meeting was attended by around 50 members of the public, along with Paul Rogers and Peter Blake, representing architects CMS Bath, and Anna Henderson-Smith, planning officer for West Devon Borough Council.

It was confirmed that developers would contribute approximately £250,000 to help fund local infrastructure, and that the money would stay in the North Tawton area.

Architect Peter Blake said: 'We prioritise education and highways contributions. When we looked at the education contribution, we prioritised North Tawton Primary School, because the development is in the town, and therefore the town should benefit from it, because it will have an impact on your local community.

'We have not got anything in our studies for Okehampton, because with all the developments going on there, none of them have contributed towards North Tawton, so why should this town contribute to Okehampton?'

The highways contribution will fund a bus stop and shelter, as well as public transport connections to the town.

Concerns were also raised by residents and councillors about the impact of the development on traffic flow through North Tawton.

Ms Henderson-Smith confirmed that suitable access provision would be in place before any site development could begin, adding that construction traffic would access the site from the direction of the cheese factory, and not through the town itself.

Mr Blake added: 'The traffic in the town in general is a bigger and wider issue and Devon County Council highways have told us that while they are looking at a strategic review of the area, we are not to consider that during this development.'

Members of the public also sought clarification on the proposed uses for 'Building D', a historic building that will be retained and converted for community use.

Residents were concerned that the building would have a negative impact on the existing community facilities in the centre of the town.

Peter Blake suggested possible uses for the building could include an art gallery, museum, creche or similar project, or that it could be used for commercial purposes, potentially for a local cottage industry or rural crafts. He also confirmed a letter of interest in the building had been received from Devon Heartlands.

Ms Henderson-Smith added: 'We expect this incredible historic building to be retained, but it is not suitable for residential use. We are not looking to allow anything that would threaten the viability of the town centre.

The proposals will go before West Devon Borough Council's planning committee on Tuesday. Planning officers have recommended a site meeting before a decision is made.