Penzance seafront housing plans approved

Plans for 36 homes including 11 affordable properties were approved

Controversial proposals to demolish a former art gallery and build 36 homes on Penzance's seafront have been approved by a planning committee.

The plans, including 11 affordable properties and seven businesses, alongside the redevelopment of St Anthony Gardens were approved by Cornwall Council's west area planning committee which rejected them in April.

The site, described as “sensitive” by case officer Peter Bainbridge, is based near the Jubilee Pool lido and the town’s harbour.

Dr Julian Holder, senior associate tutor in architectural history at Oxford University and a former historic buildings inspector with Historic England, said the application was an "attack on the character of the Penzance Conservation Area".

The former PZ Gallery had architectural significance, the committee heard

Dr Holder said buildings such as the former gallery had architectural significance.

But Dick Cliffe, former Mayor of Penzance, called the site "an enduring major eyesore and therefore a priority for development", the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

The development would not compete with other important buildings or compromise the setting of the adjacent listed Jubilee Pool and church, said Dominic O’Neill of Treveth, the development company of Cornwall Council.

Councillor Jim McKenna pointed out that, without a decision, £3.6m funding from the Future High Streets scheme could be lost.

A final vote to approve the development was won by five in favour, four against and one abstention.