A former rugby club could be converted into much-needed town centre housing in Dartmouth.

But the present scheme to build seven homes with parking on the site in Roseville Street has been criticised by town councillors as being overdevelopment and neighbours have expressed worries over privacy.

Although some form of development is probably inevitable at the rundown site, councillors admit.

The derelict building is owned by hotelier Nigel Way and his wife Anne who have submitted a planning application to South Hams Council to redevelop the site.

The plan involves demolishing two existing cottages next to the former club and rebuilding a terrace of properties, possibly with a roof terrace.

Mr and Mrs Way have suggested half a dozen designs for the mews type courtyard development.

But Linda Howard, who lives opposite, said a roof terrace would mean she was overlooked.

‘I know the club is a mess and has to come down but it would be wrong to see cottages go that have been there for hundreds of years to provide access,’ she told the town council’s planning committee last Wednesday.

‘I’m in a top flat and I’m not happy that any roof terrace would look straight into my sitting room.’

The committee is recommending the plan is refused after agreeing the homes seemed ‘crammed’ in.

Cllr Paul Allen said the design was ‘totally inappropriate’ in a conservation area.

Cllr Tony Fyson agreed it was overdevelopment but warned some sort of change may be inevitable.

‘This happens when the fabric of the old town is allowed to deteriorate,’ he said. ‘We can only hold it at bay this time round.’

The committee is also objecting to a plan to remove a kerbside path and adjustments to garden access at 35 Crowthers Hill, Dartmouth.

Cllr Richard Cooke said the householder wanted to take the pavement away so he could park his car outside his house.

‘Parking issues are very much much of a problem,’ he said. ‘But this path is part of the right of access of his neighbours and changes the street scene and highway.’

Concerns were also raised over a plan for a 7.5m pylon to replace an existing flag pole sign at the car park entrance to Lidl in Townstal Road.

Committee chairman Cllr David Gent said it appeared to be ‘sign wars’ among retailers Sainsbury’s, the BP garage and the football club.

Cllr Robin Springett said it was so tall, you would probably be able to see the sign from the Higher Ferry. ‘It is over development,’ he said.

The committee is recommending the application be refused.

South Hams Council will make the final decision on the plans.