Edge of village convenience store turned down

Impact on Tamar Valley landscape would be too great, say planners

A plan for a convenience store on the edge of Bere Alston has been thrown out after claims it will destroy the character of the Tamar Valley National Landscape.

West Devon Borough Council’s development management committee turned down the application by a company called Westcountry Land, even though its plans had been revised to address councillors concerns over light pollution and the possible impact on small village stores.

The applicant said the use of an onsite bakery, butcher and pharmacy would be restricted and bollard lighting installed instead of street lights. Bus stops would be introduced nearby and solar panels put on the roof.

But councillors said the changes didn’t outweigh harm to the tranquil valley location; a view shared by Tamar Valley National Landscape’s officer.

Westcountry Land said the site off the B3257 – the main road into the village – would be for a Co-op store, replacing the small shop in the village centre which couldn’t be expanded and had no access for people with disabilities.

The existing “cramped” Co-op is coming to the end of its life and is due to close next year, which would be “catastrophic” for the village if planning permission isn’t granted for the out-of-town replacement, the developer said.

But councillors were reminded they were considering a change of use of the land from an agricultural field to retail, and the choice of supermarket operator could not be dictated by the planning committee.

Cllr Neil Jory (Con, Milton Ford) considered the application to be “sustainable” claiming it would prevent people travelling to Tavistock or Plymouth for their shopping. Currently 75 per cent of shopping is done outside the village.

Most residents were in favour of the plans, according to two rounds of public consultation. He said 20 jobs would be created if the scheme went ahead.

But officers said the store, with 352 square metres of retail space, is too small for a main shop. Customers would still travel out of town, they said, and it didn’t justify building in the open countryside.

The noise and light pollution would negatively impact a property 15 metres away, they claimed.

Bere Ferrers Parish councillors had previously supported the scheme because they said it would reduce congestion in the high street, which has another convenience store, a butcher, bakery and pharmacy.

They welcomed the developer’s financial contribution towards the investigation of an extension of the 30mph speed limit, but wanted bus stops within the store complex not on the busy road.

In February,  planners deferred the application, indicating that they would like to come up with a set of conditions to approve the plan.

Cllr Sam Wakeham (Con, Hatherleigh) voted against the officer’s recommendation to refuse last time but said she had changed her mind: “I think the convenience store is going to create a disturbance by way of noise and light and spoil the character and tranquillity of the village,” she said.

Cllr Caroline Mott (Con, Bridestowe) said the National Landscape was the highest level of protection given to that area and she agreed with officers that the plan should be turned down.

Cllr Jeff Moody (Ind, Tavistock North) said he understood the objections, but most of the problems had been overcome by conditions and amendments.

“I think it will improve local amenity, reduce travel and be more sustainable,” he said.

Councillors voted by four votes to two to refuse the scheme.