AN application to convert a prominent building into a block of flats at the entrance to Tavistock?s conservation area was last week given the thumbs down by West Devon?s planning committee. Station House Properties Ltd wanted to create eight flats at West End House in West Street ? a distinctive three-story building overlooking homes in Chapel Street and Draper Terrace. The committee heard the developers wanted to convert the building into three one bedroom and five two bedroom flats, with a raised parking area for eight cars above properties in the streets below. A previous application for ten flats was withdrawn. The development would also necessitate the removal of a Gingko tree, protected by a tree preservation order. Jane Hart, West Devon?s planning services manager, told the committee the town council objected to the loss of the tree ? but the borough?s landscape officer was prepared to see it sacrificed. She said: ?When asked directly whether she felt the quality of this tree was such that the development should not go ahead, she concluded that it was not of such merit that it would prejudice the development as a whole.? The committee heard that residents in West Street, Draper Terrace and Chapel Street were concerned about the impact the proposed development would have on their homes, in terms of car movements and water run-off. They also considered the density of flats excessive and considered it would be overcrowded with possibly more than 20 people living in one building. Cllr Dick Eberlie, Tavistock ward member, said: ?There is to be a fence at the back of the parking area, so looking up from Chapel Street, there would be a three-metre towering terrace and I still think that?s excessive for the Draper Terrace folk.? He said there was still no firm information about water run-off, which was ?terribly important? for people living below the proposed flats. He said the removal of the building?s traditional chimneys and installation of roof windows would be out of keeping in the town?s conservation area, particularly in a prominent and elevated building. He also was concerned about the gingko tree. ?But one thing needs saying ? this property needs developing, it?s an enormous shame that it?s falling to rack and ruin and badly needs somebody with the courage and energy to develop it.? Cllr Mandy Govier said West End House was ?a beautiful prominent property? whose features should be retained as far as possible, given its position within the conservation area. The committee refused planning consent on grounds the development would be detrimental to the amenities of neighbours, unsympathetic to the conservation area, that the gingko tree would be lost and that there was insufficient evidence drainage issues had been properly addressed.