A PUBLIC exhibition held last weekend on the future of a derelict former woollen mill site in North Tawton was a great success, according to local councillors writes Tom Matthews.

A follow-up meeting of the town council, at which a recommendation on the planning proposals will be agreed, has been postponed by one week to allow more time for consultation.

The town council has received a planning application for 59 residential units to be developed on the former woollen mill site, which would involve interior and exterior alterations to the Grade II listed mill building.

The proposal is for the erection of 40 new residential units, the conversion of the mill and an adjacent building to an additional 19 residential units, and the redevelopment of another building for community use, possibly as a nursery or gallery.

Town clerk David Bettoney said: 'We were really very pleased by the enthusiasm shown by the people who attended Saturday's meeting. Around 150 people turned up to view the proposals.

'We decided we needed a public exhibition of the plans because we are aware of the need for a balance between the developers and the wishes of members of the public who may be affected by the development.

'The plans are incredibly detailed, and the public exhibition represented the best method of displaying the plans.

'As a consequence of Saturday's meeting we decided to postpone the meeting of the town council in order that we can have a meeting in the town hall next week.

'This will allow more people to attend the meeting, including a planning representative from West Devon Borough Council, and the architects for the project, CMS Bath Ltd.

'It will also give people more opportunity to see the plans.'

West Devon Borough council member for North Tawton, Cllr Nick Morgan, said: 'Overall it was a very successful meeting, with plenty of people turning up to see the proposals.

'The majority of people thought it was a good idea to get something done with the site, so generally it would appear the people of North Tawton are in favour of the plans.

'There were obviously one or two concerns raised, such as why the old leat could not be used for generating power, as well as concerns over congestion on the bridge.

'The idea of traffic lights was raised, which would help ease the problems.

'I think the issues will be addressed, as there were no real problems raised.'

The plans can be viewed at the town council offices between 9.30am and 2.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and can also be viewed online at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk under reference 01163/2011.

The town council meeting on Thursday February 17 will take place in the town hall at 7.30pm. The meeting is open to members of the public, who will have a chance to express their views and ask questions.