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.

Pre-application advice is being sought to change a former solicitors’ office into a 24-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO), with the reconstruction of an existing rear extension, internal refurbishment, provision of new parking spaces, a designated waste management area and secure bike enclosures.

The proposal is for the former Blight Broad and Skinnard offices in George Place, Haye Road, Callington. The solicitors firm was closed down with immediate effect in November 2019 because of a “risk to the interest of its clients”. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) raided Blight Broad & Skinnard’s office taking possession of all documents, papers and money held by the firm, including clients’ money.

For more information see PA24/01228/PREAPP.

Applicant Clare Harris-Brown is seeking pre-application advice to replace a boathouse with a new structure for storage, shower, toilet and washing-up facilities and three holiday glamping huts, located along the lakeside with decking and parking on land north of Dennis Farm, Dennis Lane, Padstow.

The applicant said: “I am looking to replace the current boathouse structure, which is rotten, unusable and beginning to perish. The new structure would service three semi-permanent holiday glamping huts, located along the lakeside, with wash facilities. The surrounding lake area is land in my name.

“I feel that this pre-application request for less vulnerable, non-permanent development on the site, as well as the designated area for locals, would provide economic and social benefits, as well as achieving the environmental dimension of sustainable development. Additionally, by monetising a portion of the land, in a way that is sympathetic to the landscape/ wildlife of the site, I can afford to better upkeep the area and protect the biodiversity as well as making it an enjoyable/ rewarding space for local residents, accessing from the Camel Trail.”

For more information see PA24/01173/PREAPP.

Further details have been revealed of a huge housing development near Callywith College in Bodmin. Devonshire Homes is seeking advice from Cornwall Council’s planning department before it submits a hybrid application for a mixed residential and commercial scheme alongside a care home.

The developer is planning to build 678 homes, with a mix of housing types and tenures, on 47 hectares of land on the north eastern side of Bodmin, immediately to the west of the Callywith Gate junction and Callywith College at Brims House, Penbugle Lane.

It is an increase on the proposed 650 homes initially outlined when the developer held a meeting with Bodmin Town Council.

The Callywith Urban Village proposal would include affordable housing, an 80-bed care home and commercial units designed to support local employment and community services.

A pre-planning application states: “The majority of the site is undeveloped, consisting mostly of agricultural land with some areas of semi-natural vegetation. There are several mature trees and hedgerows that provide natural boundaries within the site. The site encompasses the existing businesses at Cornish Lime and Brims Park which would be retained as part of the proposals.

“To the south, the site lies adjacent to existing residential areas of Bodmin, including established neighbourhoods and local amenities. The proximity to Bodmin College, located to the south west, and various local services and employment makes the site well-suited for sustainable residential development.

“The surrounding road infrastructure, particularly the proximity to the A30 also provides convenient access to the larger urban centres and local employment hubs in the wider areas, particular Truro and Plymouth, and to the coast for recreational opportunities.”

The scheme was considered by a Design Review Panel on September 16 and “the majority of the feedback regarding the green space provision, commercial allocation, road layout and densities was positive”

Some matters regarding highways and pedestrian / cycle links were discussed for future consideration. As the site falls within the River Camel special area of conservation catchment the development will need to demonstrate nutrient neutrality for the new residential uses including the care home.

At the meeting with Bodmin Town Council, the developer said: “We’re a regional developer who is keen to leave a positive legacy where we build with place making at its heart. We want to create communities going forward, enhance existing settlements and contribute something positive for future generations.”

For more details see PA24/01109/PREAPP

The erection of a replacement dwelling and detached garage in lieu of the previously approved permission has been approved by Torridge District Council.

Bradworthy Parish Council said it objected to the proposals, with a lengthy objection including: “The Council are still unsure why TDC (Torridge District Council) planning are treating Full application as Q Class and are applying the Mansell versus Tonbridge fall back position. The Council believe that this is currently a loophole in planning criteria and that TDC should resist the reliance on this judgement to allow houses in rural locations where under normal circumstances none would be permitted.

“The potential concern of planning appeals by the Local Authority should not have any influence on allowing what is a new build in the open countryside. In Bradworthy Parish on a recent Appeal for an application granted under DM27 planning number 1/0813/2023/FUL, the Inspector clearly states 'There is a realistic fall back in terms of the ability to convert the existing structure. There is no reason this would not be implemented.' This Appeal was dismissed.

“The Parish Council strongly believe that there is a realistic fall back in terms of converting the original stable block. There is no reason why the green initiatives that are proposed to make the new build a better more sustainable planning option could not be implemented within the original stable block.”

Despite the objections of the parish council, it was approved by Torridge District Council subject to a number of conditions.

You can view the application under reference 1/0773/2024/FUL

Keep up to date with the latest planning applications and other statutory notices (such as alcohol licensing and probates) that affect where you live by visiting our online Public Notice Portal – be the first to know by visiting www.publicnoticeportal.uk/cornish-and-devon-post-series