TAVISTOCK has long been recognised as a town with first-class examples of 19th century buildings, which give it a particularly distinctive and much-admired character.
I was therefore astonished on January 18 to hear the planning committee of West Devon Borough Council sanction the demolition of a large three-storey outshot on the back of 8 West Street, without any recognition of its significance in the townscape and conservation area.
The structure is best viewed from Garden Lane where it will be seen that it contributed to the 'Dickensian' feel of much of this part of Tavistock, which has an intriguing range of mostly 19th century extensions.
Wake up, Tavistock! your heritage is being destroyed before your eyes.
Tom Greeves
39 Bannawell Street, Tavistock