THE owners of Plants Galore at Forches Cross, Newton Abbot, have won permission to demolish the Old Toll House and build a replacement house as part of a deal to improve an awkward road junction.

Members of Teignbridge Council development control committee voted overwhelmingly in favour on Tuesday, despite an officer's recommendation to refuse.

The committee was to have considered a second application for retail sales to continue at Plants Galore in addition to its core wholesale trade.

It was also recommended for refusal.

But members heard that brothers Anthony and Mark Joyner had successfully appealed against council enforcement after an earlier refusal. The inspector found in their favour, saying the nursery fulfilled a need.

He said that the applicant's offer to improve the Staplehill Road/A382 junction would bring road safety benefits which outweighed other considerations.

This would involve demolishing the Old Toll House. Members were told that English Heritage was urgently considering whether the late 18th century building should be listed.

Speaking to the committee, Anthony Joyner argued that the inspector's judgement already accepted the principle of replacing the Old Toll House. He said the design of the replacement L-shaped building was more attractive than the present one.

One reason given for recommending refusal was the increased size of the proposed new house, but Mr Joyner argued that various outbuildings clustered around the current building should be taken into account.

Cllr David Corney-Walker, also Newton Abbot mayor, said Newton Abbot Town Council planning committee was unanimously in favour of the proposal.

Cllr Stuart Baker said: 'There is tremendous planning gain to be got from this planning application.'

He suggested that the outbuildings should be included in the building's footprint.

Cllr Sylvia Russell asked whether demolition could go ahead while English Heritage was considering its status.

Planning officer John Collier-Marsh said: 'It has not yet been listed. Planning consent can be granted and the applicant can demolish the building prior to its being listed.'