Unique gothic church in Cornwall could become fancy flats
Plans to transform a gothic-style church in Cornwall into flats have been submitted to Cornwall Council
Plans to breathe new life into a unique church which is in danger of demolition or collapse, a number of housing developments and a bid to move a historic beach-side water fountain are among the latest planning applications submitted to Cornwall Council in the week.
Every week more than 100 applications are validated by Cornwall Council and we have selected some of the more interesting proposals. All planning applications submitted to the council have to be validated and are available for inspection by the public. Anyone is also allowed to submit comments about the applications – whether in support or objection.
The majority of applications are decided by planning officers at the council under delegated powers. However, some applications will go before elected councillors who sit on planning committees. No dates have been set for when the planning applications below will be determined. They can be viewed by going to the planning portal on Cornwall Council’s website.
Renowned church could be demolished unless plan is approved, says applicant
A unique gothic-style church in Cornwall – which is in a state of decay – could be turned into nine apartments if a new planning application is approved. Opened in 1905, Flexbury Park United Methodist Church at the junction of Flexbury Park Road, Bude, closed in 2008 due to structural problems.
A planning statement says the twin angled towers of Flexbury chapel appear to be unique when compared against other gothic-style chapels in Cornwall. Both the Wesleyan Chapel in Newquay and Alexandra Road Chapel in Penzance have single towers parallel with the building’s orientation.
The application states: “The chapel is visibly in a state of decay. The amount of damage caused to date is significant and left unchecked this building will quickly become dangerous.
“It is well documented that both towers and especially the north west tower suffered damage and subsidence thought to be a result of culvert works in 2008. Works to stop the movement and monitor the resulting cracks have been undertaken, but no repair work has taken place. Large cracks remain unrepaired with daylight visible. These are one of the main sources of water penetration to the structure.”
The proposals “take careful consideration of the existing building and preserve a large amount of the original building without causing harm. The adaptive reuse to flats creates challenges regarding preservation of spaciousness. However, with this high quality interesting flat design, the feeling of expanse and light are maintained in a new modern form.
“To accommodate new floors within the existing building it is proposed to use a self-supporting steel frame internally. This is independent of the existing structure and means that no new loads are introduced to the existing walls. This also preserves the fabric of the existing building by keeping penetrations to the existing structure to a minimum.”
The planning statement adds: “With no options coming forward to date to save the building, demolition or collapse is the only likely outcome. The site is likely to then be developed with a new housing scheme given its sustainable location. This change of use and conversion scheme represents the only realistic option to save Flexbury Methodist Chapel.”
The developer, Middleton Wilson Ltd, has appointed external contractors to complete maintenance repairs aiding in limiting the degradation of the building and structure. However, economically this is not viable without the proposal moving forward, according to the application documents.
For more details see planning application PA25/06576 https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=T1WJP1FGJZB00&activeTab=summary
Application to move historic fountain
The East Looe Town Trust wants to move a historic water fountain to a new location in the town. If approved, the polished granite fountain will be moved from its current location near the lifeboat station to replace a raised planter at Church End.
The proposal seeks to “improve the spatial arrangement and accessibility of public amenities” on the East Looe seafront. The relocation of the fountain and drinking water station “will enhance the visual coherence of the area by moving to a more prominent location, reduce congestion and support ongoing heritage-led regeneration efforts,” according to a planning statement.
Surrounded by narrow lanes and stone buildings, the fountain likely once served as a vital source of drinking water for residents and travellers. Today, it stands as a quiet landmark, “often overlooked but deeply embedded in the cultural and spatial fabric of Looe”.
For more details see planning application PA25/07412 https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=T3GBH1FGH9M00&activeTab=summary
Up to nine new homes in coastal resort
A permission in principle application has been submitted for a proposed residential development of up to nine new homes at Heatherbell Gardens, Longstone Hill, Carbis Bay. The site is bound on all sides by housing development hedges and the applicant states it won’t result in any encroachment into the countryside.
For more details see planning application PA25/07139 https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=T2UCBZFG1FD00&activeTab=summary
Changes to huge development
Cavanna Homes (Cornwall) Ltd has applied to amend a condition of a previously approved application to build 116 homes on land north of Stratton Road, Bude. The change would result in the loss of two homes to allow for “a more efficient and cohesive form of development which provides betterments in respect of the layout, public open space/ amenity space and landscaping.
“For the avoidance of doubt Cavanna Homes remain committed to ensure the overall level of affordable housing provision fully complies with both planning policy and the Section 106 Agreement associated with the outline consent for the site”.
For more details see planning application PA25/06805 https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=T2BY6DFGMJT00
New homes plan
Outline planning permission with some matters reserved (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) is being sought for a proposed housing development for eight dwellings, parking and associated works at Gas Cottage, Falmouth Road, Redruth.
For more details see planning application PA25/01846 https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SSRHA2FGLEU00&activeTab=summary
Housing development planned for village
Plans have been lodged for a housing scheme of six affordable homes and three open market dwellings on land adjacent to Cob Web Cottage, Rame Cross, Penryn. The affordable homes would be three-bedroom properties while the three other homes would be four-bedroom.
Access to the site would be across a grassed verge off the A394 at a point where there is a 40mph speed limit. Visibility at the junction of the proposed new access is good in both directions, says a supporting statement.