Plans to carry out work on former Cornish school that was gutted by fire
The blaze happened back in July
Plans to carry out work on a former school in St Austell, that was damaged by fire this summer, have been discussed by Cornwall Council
Members say they have reaffirmed its commitment to regenerate the former Carclaze Infants School after it was hit by fire on Wednesday 8th July 2020, causing serious damage to the structure.
Back when the blaze occurred, MP for the area, Steve Double, said he had been campaigning for years to safeguard the future of the historic building
He told Pirate FM at the time that he wanted to see it turned into a community centre and also affordable housing.
Responding to residents’ wishes to see more homes provided for local people, Cornwall Council has committed to a sustainable, affordable housing proposal to regenerate the site and is in the process of appointing contractors to clear debris to allow plans for the site to progress.
"The priority for Cornwall Council remains to work with partners to secure a sustainable development proposal to safeguard the future for this site in line with the wishes of the community.
“An important step towards this is for the debris from the fire damage to be cleared to enable safe access for building surveyors so they can inspect the structure. Cornwall Council is in the process of finding contractors to undertake this work.”
Tim Dwelly, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Cornwall Council
Cornwall Council has worked with Cornwall Rural Housing Association over the past two years to bring forward a plan to use the structure of the building to create affordable homes for local people, as well as creating community parking on the site.
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit earlier this year the scheme was due to go forward for planning consent, with public consultation about to take place, and the Council continues to work with Cornwall Rural Housing Association to bring the scheme to fruition.
“Providing good quality affordable homes for local people is a top priority and we will continue to work to bring this site back into use to achieve that aim.”
Andrew Mitchell, Portfolio Holder for Homes, Cornwall Council
“Myself and Treverbyn Parish Council have long been working with Cornwall Council and developers to bring this site forward to a conclusion for the local community and we hope to have contractors on the site shortly clearing the fire debris.”
Matt Luke, Cornwall Council local member for Penwithick and Boscoppa
“I look forward to seeing the wonderful Silvanus Trevail frontage restored and the development moving forward, now, in a speedy manner.”
Jackie Bull, local member for St Austell Poltair, Cornwall Council
The Council is aware that Devon and Cornwall Police has now concluded its investigation into the fire, with no charges brought. Anyone who has any information should still contact the police.