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.

The Environment Agency (EA) is proposing to install two temporary cabinets next to the River Inny, north of Blackthorn Parc, Hallworthy, Camelford to locate water quality monitoring equipment and telemetry devices. The monitoring equipment is required in order to help protect the environment from a suspected pollution issue.

A spokesperson for the EA said: “We are liaising with the land owner and land agent over the siting of the equipment. They are negotiating over the level of compensation and we are yet to reach an agreement.

“We are confident that we can use our powers to install the equipment should we not reach an agreement and that becomes necessary. Before we go too far, we want to ensure the issue of planning permission is resolved. This is to ensure we do not commit to the use of our powers only to find out that there is an issue with planning that prevents us from using them.”

The plans can be viewed on the Cornwall Council planning portal under reference PA24/02157.

A FORMER newspaper office which was previously the home of a now-defunct free title could be redeveloped in order to avoid further dilapidation.

Tindle House, on Trevanson Street in Wadebridge was the base for the North Cornwall Advertiser which ceased publication several years ago, with the building remaining empty since.

Proposals submitted to Cornwall Council’s planning department would see the three-storey building redeveloped into a commercial unit on the ground floor and two one-bedroom flats to occupy the higher level floors.

It would also entail a general refurbishment of the building with a new slate roof finish incorporating the retention of the existing structure and new insulation applied to the internal face of external walls and the replacement of the doors and windows.

In the design and access statement, the applicant’s agent stated: “Number two Trevanson Street is an existing three storey building compromising of mass stone walls with brick quoin detailing, and a slate roof. In the recent past the building was used for commercial purposes, it is however currently vacant and falling into disrepair.

“This application therefore seeks permission to bring the building, which sits in the centre of Wadebridge, back into use by providing a new refurbished commercial space and new homes for the town.

“The proposal is simple. To retain and refurbish the ground floor commercial space, creating a new commercial unit with an active frontage over Trevanson Street, and to provide two, new one bedroom flats, one on the first floor and one on the second floor.

“The building will also be refurbished generally with a new slate roof finish (existing roof structure retained), new insulation applied to the internal face of external walls and new replacement windows/doors.

“Approximately 24 metre squared of shared amenity space will be provided to the rear of the property, this space will also include a dedicated area for bin and bicycle storage. This can be accessed externally from Trevanson Street.

“The proposal seeks to provide a light touch renovation, working with the existing building by retaining existing external window and door openings and restoring the buildings facade. It is proposed to replace the existing roof finish with new slate, and to replace the existing UPVC windows with new.

“The internal face of the external walls will be insulated, ensuring compliance with current building regulations and securing the buildings future by preventing damage caused by the condensation and water ingress that is evident within the existing uninsulated fabric. As a result of the works the restored building will provide a positive contribution to the conservation area.

“The adjoining heritage statement gives some context on the history of the building, adding: “Number two Travanson Street occupies a corner plot on Trevanson Road within the heart of Wadebridge town centre. The building is constructed of mass stone walls, which are exposed on the building’s principle (north east) elevation.

“This elevation also features distinctive red brick quoins on many window and door openings. All other elevations are rendered grey. The age of the building is not clear; however it is clearly identifiable on the 1887 OS Map in its current ground figure form. The building is not listed, it is however within the Wadebridge Conservation Area.

“Number 2 Trevanson Street is not listed nor is it in close proximity to any listed buildings. There are however several listed buildings and a scheduled ancient monument within walking distance of the building.”

At the time of print, one response to the planning application had been received from the Public Protection Noise and Odour Planning Consultation stating: “Environmental Protection have no objections to this application for the conversion to mixed residential and retail unit. The site is a central town location, with the character associated with such, meaning there will be noises such as people noise associated with such a central location. These would form part of the character of the area along with things such as potential delivery noise - which we would likely be unable to deal with by way of our statutory nuisance powers.”

The plans can be viewed on the Cornwall Council planning portal under reference PA24/06663.

PROPOSALS for the extension of a dwelling and construction of a new workshop and garage at a property in Flexbury has been approved by Cornwall Council.

The application concerns the address 77 Victoria Road, Flexbury.

There were two objections from residents, and Bude-Stratton Town Council who said that the size is dominant to surroundings.

The additional condition stipulated by Cornwall Council stated: “The detached garage / workshop hereby approved shall only be used for storage of private motor vehicles and purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house as such known as 77 Victoria Road and shall not be used, sold or let at any time as a separate residential unit of accommodation.

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