Historic building open to the public for the first time

Plymouth City Council – which with Cornwall Council jointly owns Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park at Cremyll, Torpoint – submitted an application for listed building consent to create a new public access into the park’s Grade II listed Garden Battery.

A council planning committee has agreed to the changes which have been in place to protect the building.

However, some were opposed to the plans, saying that there may be a large impact on the historical monument and natural environment, flood risks and effects on the surrounding wildlife and ecology.

Planning officer George Shirley told members that the proposal would provide better access to the building as it is currently inaccessible to the public.

He added: “The proposed physical works to the building will lead to a degree of harm to the fabric, character, appearance and integrity of the listed building and on the setting of the neighbouring Tudor blockhouse Grade I registered park and gardens.”

However, the economic, social and environmental benefits of the scheme, which was described as being of a sympathetic and thoughtful design, were considered to outweigh any harm.

Louis Dulling, representing Plymouth City Council, said the work would preserve the Garden Battery for future generations and the development was part of the council’s Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the National Marine Park.

He said Historic England came to the conclusion that the works would not result in harm to the area and benefits would include allowing public access to celebrate the building’s heritage and increased footfall and support for local businesses.

The committee unanimously agreed to the changes to the Grade II listed building.