The West Sub-Area Planning Committee met to discuss two planning applications and note a list of planning appeal decisions. Councillors approved an application for a field shelter for horses in Lanner, and approved an application to convert a commercial building in Redruth into residential dwellings and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs).

Land rear of Trelowena, Pennance Road, Lanner

Councillors approved application PA25/03386 for the construction of a field shelter for horses/ponies with associated storage for hay and machinery on land rear of Trelowena, Pennance Road, Lanner.

The Principal Development Officer (PG) recommended that the application be approved with conditions.

Councillor John Thomas MBE (Vice-Chairman of the Council), an Electoral Division Member, raised concerns that:

• The land was in an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV).
• The proposed building was not of a modest scale and was not an appropriate size to accommodate two horses.
• The track to the proposed building would scar the open, protected aspects of the AGLV.
• Requests to reduce the scale of the proposed building had not been considered by the applicant.
• He had concerns about the access onto the main road at a narrow double bend.
• Flooding was already a problem in the area, increased by run-off from the elevated land.
• It would be difficult to install a soakaway as the land was steeply sloped.
• The land was part of a group of three Carns (Carnmenellis, Carn Brea and Carn Marth), a historic group of land masses which should be protected.
• The application site is very visible from nearby areas.
• The key areas of objection were the visibility across the valley, the protected landscape and the scale of the proposed building.

Officers responded that the key areas of objection were comprehensively covered by the officer's report and presentation, and that they were satisfied with the location and the scale. They added that if a different location was used on the applicant's land, then it would be on higher ground and therefore more visible. The scale was fine for the number of horses along with associated feed, hay and machinery storage.

Officers also noted that:

• The proposal was of modest height.
• No objections had been raised by the Highways Officer.
• There was a condition that tied the stable to the future conversion of the existing stable building in that location.
• The site was not within a flood zone or Critical Drainage Area, given its elevation, but because of the topography and neighbouring properties being at a lower level, there would be a condition to secure further details of a surface water drainage scheme, and a soakaway is proposed to the west of the building.
• Natural England had not been consulted as they were not a statutory consultee and there was therefore no requirement for this to happen.
• The application was for a replacement to the existing stables that had been granted planning permission to be converted into a dwelling.
• The increase in vehicle movements caused by the proposed development would be minimal.

Some councillors raised concerns over the scale of the proposed building and highway safety with the potential increase in vehicle movements. Other councillors felt that the scale seemed appropriate in relation to the existing stables that were being replaced, and that any increase in vehicle movements was more likely to be from the conversion of the existing stables, for which permission had already been granted.

The committee voted to approve the application with an amendment to condition 6, removing the 5 year replanting period and instead replacing it with a requirement for replanting in perpetuity. Eight councillors voted in favour, two against, and one abstained.

The Learning Partnership The Redruth Centre, 5 - 6 Station Road, Redruth

Councillors approved application PA25/02063 for partial demolition of a rear two-storey link building, internal remodelling and minor door/fenestration alterations associated with change of use to three Class C3(a) residential dwellings/apartments¹ and two Class C4 small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)² at The Learning Partnership The Redruth Centre, 5 - 6 Station Road, Redruth.

The Development Officer (GR) recommended that the application be approved with conditions.

Councillor Roger Tarrant, an Electoral Division Member, raised concerns regarding:

• The loss of another commercial property in the centre of Redruth.
• Local residents' concerns regarding having houses in multiple occupancy (HMO) so close to the centre of town, and their worry that it could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area.
• That it would be managed by a national company rather than a local one, that would be aware of local issues and needs.

Officers responded that an Inspector would require evidence to be provided regarding any alleged increase in anti-social behaviour.

Officers also noted that:

• The space offered in the accommodation for wheelchair users met the requirements in terms of the floor space offered.
• There was no planning requirement for the type of accommodation offered here for disabled residents, and therefore the three door access route was not a planning consideration.
• The property had been commercially marketed for some time, but had received no interest.
• This development would provide much needed accommodation whilst preserving an important building.
• The scale of the living accommodation met the minimum requirements from a planning perspective.
• The location was sustainable and therefore there was no expectation for the development to provide car parking spaces.
• The proposed development would offer visual improvements to the historic environment and would preserve the historic character of the building through the design of the scheme, and particularly the loss of the unsightly red brick and blockwork section. Conditions had been recommended to secure the submission and approval of the details of any proposed new external materials and to prevent any additional or enlarged openings being constructed.

Some councillors noted that there were quite a few HMOs in the Camborne area, and evidence would suggest that there was reduced anti-social behaviour in those areas. Other councillors felt that the residential use of the building would increase footfall in the town centre, and that some of the issues raised were being addressed by condition. There was also concern about the level of noise that might be experienced by prospective future occupants due to the Royal Mail building being located next door.

The committee voted to approve the application. Eight councillors voted in favour, three against, and none abstained.

List of Planning Appeal Decisions Received, of Appeals Lodged and Dates of Public Inquiries

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