EACH week, hundreds of planning applications come before Cornwall Council’s planning department, seeking to win approval for various plans right across the Duchy, with some concerning Holsworthy handled by Torridge District Council.

These plans can comprise of a number of different reasonings– ranging from permission to replace windows or listed building consent ranging up to large house building developments or changing of use of a building, for instance, from an office to a café, or flats.

Within this large and often complex system, there are a number of formats from which planning advice and approval can be sought.

These range from full applications where all the details which comprise a proposed development or work to a building are submitted, to outline applications, where further details are yet to be confirmed, for example, an outline application with reserved matters for appearance may not confirm the final proposed development but rather seek permission in principle.

An example of this is one for an outline permission for 20 dwellings on land with reserved matters for appearance and scale; the reserved matters would require further permission later for their inclusion.

Other types of applications include pre-application advice requests, where would-be developers submit often outline proposals to a local authority to ascertain whether it is likely to gain support or not prior to submitting a planning application.

The vast majority of applications are decided by planning officers employed by a local authority under ‘delegated powers’, meaning they do so on behalf of their employer, however, some applications are ‘called in’ by local councillors to be discussed at an area’s strategic planning committee meeting, meaning the final decision rests with a committee of councillors.

PA23/10294: PLANNING permission has been granted for the siting of modular offices and storage facilities by a local surveying business on land in Bodmin.

Mr L Gynn applied to the local authority for permission to undertake the works at the land to the rear of 12 Burnards Lane, Dennison Road, Bodmin.

It sought to site modular offices and storage facilities for a temporary time period comprising a maximum of two years for Measura Limited.

The applicant described their plans as thus: “Approval is sought on a temporary basis for use of the site for the stationing of two commercial modular office buildings for use by a locally based surveying company, along with two storage containers for associated equipment.

“Vehicular access is proposed from Burnards Lane, to the west of the site, with parking for four cars and turning space provided on site.

“The proposed access would utilise an existing dropped kerb that has been present for many years, evidencing the site’s previous use. In respect of proposed works to the site, these would be limited to ensuring a level area for the buildings and containers, as well as providing the parking area.

“The remainder of the land outside of the site area, but which is within the same ownership, would be left in its current vegetated state.

“The two office buildings would be located to the north-east of the site, while the storage containers for equipment would be located to the south-east of the site adjacent to the parking area. There is mains sewerage connection within the site area.”

The plans were approved subject to conditions. The first of these were: “The development hereby permitted shall be for a temporary period of two years from the date of this decision. At the end of this period, the use hereby permitted shall cease, and the building and any other objects/works associated with it shall be removed and the land restored to its condition before the development took place.

“Reason: To enable the Local Planning Authority to retain control over the development and due to the temporary nature of the development in accordance with Policies 13 and 16 of the Cornwall Local Plan - Strategic Policies 2010-2030.”

A second condition aimed at protecting trees was also included, namely: “Prior to the commencement of any works associated with the development, the tree protection measures as set out in the Arboricultural Impact Assessment carried out by Evolve Tree Consultancy dated 08 February 2024 (Ref. EV-4673- AIA), Including protective fencing, shall be implemented in accordance with details contained within that Report and associated Tree Protection Plan ref EV4673-AIA(PLAN).

“The tree protection fencing as shown on the Tree Protection Plan will be erected in accordance with the specification given in the British Standard BS 5837. The fencing shall be retained and maintained until the completion of the development. At no time shall any works in connection with the development, including storage, access, cement mixing, bonfires, excavations or other level changes occur within the protected area. The development shall be carried out in strict accordance with the agreed tree protection methods.

“Reason: In the interests of visual and residential amenity and in accordance with the aims and intentions of paragraphs 17 and 135 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2023 and policy 23 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010- 2030. “A pre-commencement condition is considered necessary in the interest of good aboricultural practice and public amenity.”

PA24/00453: PLANS for the demolition of an industrial unit with its replacement constructed on the same site have been approved by Cornwall Council.

Mr L Bannister is seeking to construct the building at Unit 4, Little Northcott, Poughill, Bude.

It would replace an existing agricultural building on the site, converted to industrial.

In his accompanying application he stated: “The footprint of the proposed building will be similar to the existing building and the redevelopment will provide the opportunity to form a detached two storey unit of contemporary appearance that utilises modern materials and methods which work visually alongside the existing built and natural environment.

“The proposed building design and layout has been carefully considered to provide a facility to meet the applicants requirements and relate to the adjacent existing and potential proposed extension of adjacent units.

“The two storey building and mono pitch roof principle is consistent with the adjacent proposal for Units 5 and 6 (Planning permission Ref PA20/10146) indicated in outline on the drawing 202307/06 Elevations as proposed. The site of the building sits comfortably within the backdrop of higher ground and screen landscaping to the north east. This natural asset also assists in reducing the impact of the proposal when viewed from the northeast.”

Cornwall Council approved the application on a conditional basis.

In its response, the local authority said: “The development hereby permitted shall be used for a B2, B8 or E(g) use and for no other purpose, including any other purpose within the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended), or in any provision equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument revoking or reenacting that Order with or without modification.

“Reason: To enable the Local Planning Authority to retain control over other uses that might harm not be appropriate within a rural location and in accordance with the aims and intentions of policies 2 and 16 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010 – 2030.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the recommendations made within the Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment, carried out by Wheal Jane Consultancy, dated 11th Octover 2023.

“Reason: To ensure that the health risks from potential land contamination to the future users of the land and neighbouring land are minimised, together with those to controlled waters, property and ecological systems, and to ensure that the development can be carried out safely without unacceptable risks to workers, neighbours and other offsite receptors in accordance with the aims and intentions of the National Planning Policy Framework 2023 and Policy 16 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010 ' 2030, Adopted November 2016.”