PA23/08552: A former Bodmin nursery which had become increasingly derelict since closure is set to become a two-bedroomed house under plans submitted to Cornwall Council. 

The application, by the Cornwall Council owned property development company Treveth Developments seeks to convert the former Townend Nursery, on Victoria Square into a property for residential accommodation. 

Originally built as an army guardroom and office during the area’s time as the home of the Duke of Cornwall light infantry, it has remained disused for approximately six years since the closure of the pre-school nursery which had occupied the site for a number of years. 

It is intended by the applicants that the site would be completely compliant with disability discrimination act legislation, meaning the property would be fully accessible for an individual with additional mobility needs. 

In the plans, the applicant told Cornwall Council: “This proposal relates to the proposed conversion of the former single storey pre school nursery Town End Cottage, Bodmin, PL31 1EB. The pre school nursery has been closed since 2018 and marketed since that period until it went to auction. 

“The proposed conversion clearly complements and does not alter the building’s appearance. There are minimal external changes. With the exception of changes of the fenestration and doors in like for like materials.

“The proposed changes will improve the quality of living for residents. 

“This application will provide much needed, centrally located accommodation in Bodmin of which there is little stock.”

One response to the application for the change of use of the building, from the contaminated land planning consultations team, said: “The consultant has concluded that all potential pollutant linkages present a low to moderate risk, but no intrusive investigation or further assessment is required at this stage. 

“They conclude that the site is likely to be suitable for the proposed development, once their recommendations have been implemented, which includes a watching brief.”

Cornwall Council told the applicants that prior planning approval for the plans was not required, saying: “I can advise you that this proposal will not require prior approval of the Local Planning Authority. 

“The proposal is considered to comply with Classes M, Part 3, Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development (England) Order 2015 (as amended). 

“Sufficient information has now been supplied to demonstrate it is practical to change the use of the building and any land within its curtilage from a use falling within Class E (Commercial, business and service) to a Class C3 (dwellinghouse) use. 

“The proposal therefore may be carried out providing that it is wholly in accordance with the submitted details and in accordance with the following condition(s) if applicable.

“Based on the information submitted, it has been demonstrated that the proposed development would a) meet the requirements of Class MA of Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015; and b) comply with the relevant conditions set out in paragraph MA.2 so far as can reasonably be complied with at this stage. Consequently, the Council considers that the proposal represents permitted development and Prior Approval is therefore not required. 

“Any contamination that is found during the course of construction of the approved development that was not previously identified shall be reported in writing immediately to the local planning authority. Development on the part of the site affected shall be suspended and a risk assessment carried out and submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. Where unacceptable risks are found remediation and verification schemes shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. These approved schemes shall be carried out before the development [or relevant phase of development] is resumed or continued.”

PA23/07650: Planning permission for the demolition of an existing dwelling and outbuilding with a replacement dwelling constructed in its place has been approved by Cornwall Council. 

The local authority granted permission for the work at the property known as Hazeldene, 98 Liskeard Road, Callington, Cornwall. 

Mr and Mrs G Dawe applied to the council for the work, which was approved with conditions. 

Mr George Roberts, a neighbour of the property, told Cornwall Council that he was supportive of the application, but had questions. He wrote: “Whilst in general terms we are supportive of the proposed application for redevelopment of the existing property at 98 Liskeard Road, Callington, we would make the following comments:

“With regard to the garage window, as indicated on the Northeast Elevation plan, we would respectfully request that this is glazed with obscure glass rather than clear, thereby retaining our current privacy at the rear of number 96.

“The proposed dormer bungalow roof ridge height will presumably be considerably higher than the existing bungalow roof ridge height (not clear on plans), also the proposed dorma bungalow is a longer property. Consequently, it is of serious concern that we will lose significant daylight at the rear of number 96 (i.e. during the winter months the rear of the property will be in complete shade for much longer than currently).

“It is our understanding that the corrugated tin roof at number 98 was affixed on top of the existing corrugated asbestos panelled roof. Are we to understand that the Council will ensure the process of removing the asbestos panels is undertaken in accordance with relevant Health & Safety Regulations for dealing with such hazardous material? Together with sufficient notice of such work commencing.”

It was also supported by Callington Town Council, who in their consultation submission said: “Callington Town Councillors unanimously agreed to approve the application subject to the planning officer being satisfied with the following conditions.  

“That they (the planning officers) are happy that it is in keeping with the plans, noting the substantial increase in the footprint of the new build. To ensure the correct removal of the asbestos within the property (noted in the previous application PA13/04623). 

“Note the increase in ridge size of the new proposed property and to note that the property is adjacent to a busy builder’s merchant, so need to need mindful of vehicular access to and from the property remains safe for all involved.”

The approval by Cornwall Council was conditional, with three conditions additional to the standard two conditions of the work being undertaken within three years of the granting of permission and that it has to be done in accordance with the approved plans. 

The additional conditions are: “Prior to the construction of the dwelling hereby approved, a scheme for the incorporation of bat boxes and bird boxes and bee bricks at a minimum rate of one measure per dwelling shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such details shall include the location and specific details of each feature. The approved features shall be installed prior to the occupation of the dwelling to which they relate and shall thereafter be retained and maintained as such. 

“Reason: To accord with policy G1-10 of the Climate Emergency Development Plan Document 2023 and policies 1, 2 and 23 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2020- 2030 and paragraphs 8 and 174 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2021.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the energy and water efficiency measures and renewable energy provision detailed in the approved Energy Statement (received 20.11.2023). The agreed details shall be implemented with the construction of the dwelling and thereafter retained and maintained. 

“Reason: To secure the sustainable energy and construction details in accordance with Policy SEC1 of the Climate Emergency Development Plan Document, February 2023.

“The proposed works shall be carried out in accordance with the recommendations set out in section ‘5. Discussion and Recommendations’ of the ‘Preliminary Ecological Appraisal’ by Derek Gow Consultancy Ltd. 

“Reason: In order to mitigate the impacts on protected species and protect the biodiversity of the site in accordance with Policy 23 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010-2030 (Adopted 22nd November 2016).”

PA23/10326: Camel Creek Adventure Park, near Wadebridge – which went into administration last year – has applied to create self-catering and camping facilities on the site, which would include touring caravans, tents, safari tents and glamping pods as well as amenity blocks, eight en-suite shower units, roads, parking, hard standings for caravans, decking and associated works.

The park has a number of planning approvals for holiday accommodation, including a substantial holiday park with 434 units and corresponding leisure facilities. The attraction says that due to financial pressures it has not been possible to complete the approved holiday park developments.

The theme park would like to capitalise on the demand for touring campsites and quickly implement a development to create additional needed revenue in time for the start of the 2024 season.

The proposal would use two fields which are adjacent to the park and have access directly off the existing car park. The campsite will consist of 43 touring pitches, four double en-suite units, 14 glamping pods, five safari tents and two amenity blocks.

A planning statement says: “Camel Creek Family Theme Park is located 12 miles North East of Newquay, Cornwall.

The application site sits adjacent and North of the main theme park attraction, and consists of two fields. 

“There is direct access from the main car park, to the South East of the site. The site slopes downwards to the North with a watercourse running along the Northern boundary.

“The site is currently used for ancillary uses in relation to the theme park, including but not limited to animal grazing and storage.

Camel Creek Family Theme Park is a visitor attraction consisting of a variety of rides, animals and other amusements.

The wider land holding benefits from a number of planning approvals for holiday accommodation, including a substantial holiday park with 434 units and corresponding leisure facilities. The site for this application has not been utilised within these applications for accommodation and is currently used for open storage, grazing and ancillary uses to the park.

Unfortunately due to financial pressures it has not been possible to complete the approved holiday park developments. 

“The demand for high-quality touring campsites has increased over the last few years, and the delivery costs and timescales are much smaller for a touring site.

“This proposal is a significant part of the business and development plan for the park and seeks to support the long term operation of Camel Creek. 

“The development will help meet the increased demand for self-catering accommodation and camping, and importantly can be completed and in operation quickly. Camel Creek Family Amusement Park intend to use the success of the proposed campsite to enable the larger consented holiday park to be built.”