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.

PREVIOUSLY rejected change of use proposals for the transformation of a hotel into an ‘apart-hotel’ complex have re-appeared in a new form.

Uncertainty over the future of Hustyns, based near to St Breock was expressed after an email from the owners of the resort.

Users of its leisure facilities were informed on October 18 that their explicit permission was needed for the transfer of personal data to a prospective new owner to ‘ensure a seamless continuation of membership services’.

In the same email, an increase in the fees charged to access the leisure centre were increased by more than double the previous amount. A single adult yearly membership was increased from £48 per month to £120 per month (including VAT), leading to expressions of concern and frustration from regulars.

At a similar time, the website for the resort was removed save for a single page advertising six lodges for sale.

Shortly after, a planning application was submitted to Cornwall Council seeking the revival of plans for the conversion of the hotel into ‘apart-hotels’, through the granting of permission for a change of use as opposed to full planning permission.

The previous application, by Osborne31 Ltd was refused on the following grounds: “On the basis of the documentation provided, the Local Planning Authority considers that the proposed use for internal alterations relating to the change of use of hotel premises to holiday let apartments, at Hustyns Resort Hotel Burlawn Wadebridge Cornwall PL27 7LG, would require planning permission as the proposed use is considered to constitute development in accordance with section 55(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

“This is because the proposal would require carrying out alterations in order to enable the proposed change of use of the building, and it would amount to a material change in the use of the hotel premises.”

However, the latest application once again seeks a change of use similar to the previous application, albeit with less apart-hotels and the retention of the leisure facilities, compared to the previous plans which would have seen the entire complex used as ‘apart-hotel’ accommodation.

In the latest proposals, 45 serviced apartments would be constructed as opposed to 116 as per the previous plans.

In the application, the applicant, Hustyns31 Ltd, said: “This application concerns a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use/Development for the Hustyns Resort Hotel which is located in a rural position near the village of Burlawn some three miles south of Wadebridge town.

“The site lies in open countryside and undulating topography with the main hotel block forming part of a complex including restaurant/spa and leisure facilities in attractively landscaped grounds (the former associated lodges having been separated off).

“The surroundings are rural and comprise mainly agricultural holdings and woodland although other hotels/bed and breakfast accommodation can be found given the tourist attractions of the landscape (St Breock Downs).

The site is located within an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) according to the Cornwall Local Plan: Strategic Policies 2010-2030.

“Whilst situated along a private drive some way from a minor road between the villages of Burlawn and Rosenannon there are public transport/walking options available to access the site.

“This application follows the previous LDC refused in January 2024 under planning reference PA23/07613. The certificate of lawfulness of proposed use is for internal changes to enable a change of use of the hotel building to provide 45 serviced apartments. The previous proposal was for 116 serviced apartments.

“Our client specialises in apart-hotels. They have a successful track record running four apart-hotels, one in Ilfracombe, two in Eastbourne and one in London. Osborne Hotel is the most recent development at Wilder Road, Ilfracombe; Ritz Aparthotel & Duke Aparthotel is situated at 31-37 & 39-41 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4JS and Savoy Aparthotel is situated at 28-30 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3DZ. This apart-hotel would be the fifth venture.

“The application site consists of a hotel complex lying outside the village of Burlawn near Wadebridge, Cornwall and specifically an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) (Saved Policy ENV1) according to the Cornwall County Council Local Plan: Strategic Policies 2010-2030 Policies Maps.

“This site lies well outside the settlement boundaries of Burlawn village and comprises a purpose-built 3-storey hotel with various projecting bays and rooflines along its length. There is a central semi-octagonal block accommodating a 2-storey function room together with conservatory.

“The main structures are of modern shallow pitched roof design with dormers and are set into the contours of the land.

“In essence, the application relates to the proposed works being lawful in scope and use class by virtue of continuing the hotel use within which the complex has operated since being built. The difference would be that each room would be given kitchenette facilities in order to allow guests the ability to cater for themselves in the style of an apartment.

“In terms of daily upkeep of both communal areas and individual rooms, cleaning staff are employed. Furthermore, reception staff would be stationed at a foyer desk in the style of a hotel and private cooking and sitting areas would be available in each room. Such a concept is known as an ‘Apartment-Hotel’ or ‘Apart-Hotel’ and has been established elsewhere in the country as demonstrated by the precedents noted above.”

The plans, which are awaiting consideration from Cornwall Council’s planning department, are available to view on the planning portal under reference PA24/05088.

The change of use application for a tattoo parlour to be converted into a two bedroom house has been lodged with Torridge District Council.

The site comprises of an existing building to the rear of ‘The Elms’ in Holsworthy, The Elms is currently used to house six apartments and has large parking area and gardens.

The plans can be viewed on the Torridge District Council planning portal under reference 1/0962/2024/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