West Devon Council reviews Tavistock almshouse expansion amid neighbour objections

The Maynard Almshouse Charity has applied to West Devon Borough Council for planning permission to add a second row of eight almshouses behind the historic Maynard Ford Almshouses in Tavistock, Devon. The proposal also includes a full refurbishment of the existing twelve one‑bedroom flats, which are rented to local residents aged 60 and over.

Local residents Tony and Cathy Duke, who live above the existing almshouses, have lodged formal objections. They argue the new 40‑metre terrace would breach their privacy, block their view of Dartmoor, and create traffic congestion during a year‑long construction period that may require a temporary bridge and three‑way traffic lights. The Dukes also cite concerns about structural safety, parking shortages, and the impact of large heat‑pump ducts on the roofline. As Tony Duke put it, “Although we fully recognise the important role of almshouses in supporting older residents, our objection is not to the principle but to the specific design harms caused by this proposal.”