The West Sub-Area Planning Committee met to discuss several planning applications, ultimately approving two and refusing two. A decision on one further application was delegated, subject to conditions.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics discussed:

Channel View, Sandy Lane, Redruth - Dog Agility Training Field

The committee considered a retrospective application for the continued use of land as a secure dog agility training field, including existing perimeter fencing and a parking area at Channel View in Sandy Lane, Redruth.

While the planning officer acknowledged the facility's potential benefits and sustainable location, the main concern revolved around the potential noise impact on neighbouring residents. Cornwall Council's Public Protection (Noise and Odour) department objected to the proposal, criticising the submitted noise impact assessment.

Ultimately, the committee voted to delegate powers to approve the application, subject to amendments to the description and the inclusion of conditions relating to hours of operation, the number of dogs allowed on site, and boundary treatments to prevent dogs from accessing certain areas. Councillor Loveday Jenkin seconded by Councillor John Thomas MBE, proposed the approval, with 8 votes in favour, none against, and one abstention.

The delegated approval was subject to the following conditions:

• Amended description: Continued use of land as a dog exercising field.
• Operating hours: Available to customers between 08:00 and 19:00 during daylight hours only.
• Maximum occupancy: No more than six dogs and two vehicles on site at any time.
• Boundary treatment: Details of a boundary treatment to prevent dogs entering and exercising within a specified area to be submitted and approved.
• Restriction of Enclosures: No additional enclosures to be erected without express planning permission.

Land and Building Adjacent to Vounder Vean, Jubilee Place, Pendeen - Barn Conversion

The committee discussed an application for the conversion and extension of a granite barn to form a self-build dwelling house at Vounder Vean in Pendeen.

Objections were raised by the World Heritage Site Office and the Cornwall National Landscape Team, citing the impact on the character and appearance of the site, which is located within the Cornwall National Landscape, the St Just district of the World Heritage Site, and the Trewellard Conservation Area. The site was identified as a former mineworkers' smallholding, a key attribute expressing the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.

Councillor Brian Clemens, the Electoral Division Member, argued for the need for local housing and felt the benefits outweighed any perceived harm. However, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application, with 9 votes in favour of refusal, none against, and one abstention. Councillor Jenkin, seconded by Councillor Thalia Marrington (Deputy Group Leader - Liberal Democrats), proposed the refusal.

The reasons for refusal included:

• Harm to the World Heritage Site: The development would result in the loss of part of a former mineworkers' smallholding, harming a key attribute of the World Heritage Site.
• Failure to preserve or enhance the Conservation Area: The proposed conversion and extension would harm the character and appearance of the host building, failing to preserve or enhance the Trewellard Conservation Area.
• Detrimental impact on the Cornwall National Landscape: The development would significantly alter the character and appearance of the site, failing to conserve or enhance the designated landscape.

Redundant Barn and Land, Wheal Vor, Breage - Conversion to Dwelling

The committee considered an application for the conversion of a redundant barn to a single dwellinghouse with associated landscaping enhancements at Wheal Vor.

The Senior Development Officer recommended refusal, but Councillor John Keeling MBE, the Electoral Division Member, supported the application, citing the need for accommodation for the applicant's family and the transformation of a grey site . Councillor Tyler of Breage Parish Council and Mrs MacNeil, speaking on behalf of the applicant, also spoke in support of the application.

Following discussion, the committee voted to delegate powers to approve the application, subject to the applicant agreeing to certain conditions, with 7 votes in favour, none against, and 2 abstentions. Councillor John Thomas MBE, seconded by Councillor Thalia Marrington, proposed the approval.

The delegated approval was subject to conditions including:

• Standard commencement condition.
• Compliance with approved plans.
• Contamination risk assessment and remediation scheme.
• Parking and turning areas.
• Landscaping scheme.
• Materials for external surfaces.
• Foul water disposal system.
• Incorporation of bat boxes, bird boxes and bee bricks.
• Removal of permitted development rights.
• Restriction on the use of the existing outbuilding.

Tregarthen Packhouse, Tregarthen, Long Rock, Penzance - Demolition and Self-Build Dwelling

The committee reviewed an application for the demolition of a previously approved Class Q¹ barn conversion and the erection of a new dwelling at Tregarthen Packhouse.

The Principal Development Officer recommended approval, and Mr Richardson spoke in support of the application. Councillor John Martin, the Electoral Division Member, stated that compromises had been made to the proposal, addressing the original concerns from Ludgvan Parish Council.

The committee voted to approve the application, with 9 votes in favour and none against. Councillor John Thomas MBE, seconded by Councillor Thalia Marrington, proposed the approval.

The approval was subject to conditions including:

• Standard commencement condition.
• Compliance with approved plans.
• Archaeological recording.
• Installation of a bird box and bee brick.
• Water efficiency standards.
• Onsite surface water drainage system.
• Energy efficiency measures.
• Materials for external surfaces.
• Removal of householder permitted development rights.

Barn at Wheal Prosper, Plain An Gwarry, Marazion - Erection of Two Dwellings

The committee considered an application for the erection of two dwellings following prior approval for conversion of an existing barn under Class Q at Wheal Prosper.

The Principal Development Officer recommended approval, and Mr Badcock spoke in support of the application. However, Councillor John Martin, the Electoral Division Member, echoed the concerns of St Hilary Parish Council, arguing that the site was outside the settlement boundary, the plot was too small, and the development would not enhance the World Heritage Site.

Despite these concerns, the committee voted to approve the application, subject to an additional condition regarding boundary treatment, with 9 votes in favour and none against. Councillor Thalia Marrington, seconded by Councillor Loveday Jenkin, proposed the approval.

The additional condition required details of the boundary treatment to be submitted and approved prior to the first occupation of the dwellings.

Planning Appeals

The committee noted the list of planning appeal decisions received, appeals lodged, and dates of public inquiries.