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.

A HOTEL is set to be redeveloped into dwellings if planning permission is agreed by Cornwall Council.

Documents submitted as part of the application state: “The existing hotel comprises two previous Victorian residential dwellings that have been amalgamated, altered and extended to provide the single property present today.

“The building faces onto Summerleaze Crescent where there is a raised terrace used for seating serving the hotel’s bar. The front elevation of the building contains a large, glazed ground floor frontage with varying projections above and four front gables with small dormer windows between.

“The Edgcumbe hotel has been operating in an increasingly competitive market in Bude, and the applicant is therefore seeking to secure the long term viability of the site through securing planning permission to enable the property to return to its original, residential use.”

The applicants also described their plans for the replacement dwellings, adding: “The location of the development is key in determining the design style and layout. The property lies at the northern boundary of Bude’s conservation area. The existing front facade is in keeping with the architectural design of the existing terrace and as such it is proposed to retain the facade and redevelop the interior and rear facade.

“In saying such, there have been some modern extensions to the front ground floor facade which are out of keeping with the remainder of the building. It is proposed to remove these as part of the proposals to provide a new entrance for two ground floor units.

“It is also proposed to retain the Eastern wall which adjoins Atlantic House and the Western Gable end wall which currently forms a visual break in the terrace. The retention will preserve the character of the area from the main public vantage points and will also provide support for the retained structure during construction Internally, it is proposed to remove the existing structure and replace with highly energy efficient building fabric bringing the new proposals up to meet energy efficiency standards. The apartments are arranged with a roughly even split down along the centre line of the building.

“With two apartments on the ground / lower ground floor levels. Two apartments at first floor level and two apartments on the second floor / roof space levels. This arrangement allows all habitable rooms to be provided with natural light and take advantage of the sea views available to the south.

“Each apartment is served with its own private outdoor space via front garden or private balcony areas. They are also served with private external stores for bikes and bin storage. Parking is provided on a one for one basis with x4 spaces provided to the rear served from Erdiston Court and x2 on the frontage served via Summerleaze Crescent.

“The proposed side elevation windows on ground, first and second floors are to be non openable and obscured glazed to ensure no overlooking or loss of privacy to both the neighbouring property and proposal.”

The application concluded: “This proposal provides a more efficient use of space within the site creating 6 family sized dwellings. The development’s location within the town is perfectly placed to utilise the towns existing facilities which are all within walking distance. Car parking is provided for the units.

“Pedestrian access is ample and encourages walking over car use along the crescent and has the added benefit of reducing vehicles parked along the frontage. Retention and improvement of key design characteristics including the regular bays and new walled front gardens which have been largely lost along Summerleaze crescent ensure the new proposal compliments and enhances the street scene and conservation area as a whole.

“The rear elevation along Erdiston Court has a more modern approach but relates well to the surrounding built form and recently approved scheme at the Beach Hotel. The proposal provides a huge improvement to the street scene. Introducing order to the irregular shapes and massing of the rear extensions on the current site and neighbouring properties.

“The retention of the conservation area façade coupled with rebuilding behind offers the opportunity to introduce highly energy efficient construction methods and add green space where there previously was none whilst enhancing the conservation area. This will result in a high quality, energy efficient building that responds to its setting and provides quality housing for future generations.”

The planning application is currently being considered by Cornwall Council.

The extension of a scout hut to comprise offices and a meeting room near Callington have been approved by Cornwall Council’s planning department.

South West Community Builds applied to the local authority for the extension of the building belonging to 1st Stoke Climsland Scout Group, Scout Hall, Sports Field, Stoke Climsland, Callington.

They told the authority: “The proposed building extension is appropriate in scale, amount and appearance and provide much- needed functional improvements to the scout hall to support the work of 1st Stoke Climsland Scout Group.

“There are no planning constraints or policies applicable to the site that would have an adverse impact on the proposals.

“This proposal therefore provides an opportunity for sustainable growth of the existing scout hall and will make a positive contribution to local community facilities.”

Cornwall Council approved the permission for the construction of the extension.

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