Plans for new park and cycle facility approved

Cornwall Council has approved planning permission for a new Park and Cycle facility

A project to turn vacant land at a Cornish railway station into a new park and cycle facility has been granted planning permission.

Cornwall Council said the project at Ponsandane aimed to improve travel in and around the town.

Commuters arriving by car would be able to leave it at the facility and switch to cycling, said the local authority.

It said the scheme would see the construction of a new 62-space car park on the former railway sidings on the main approach road into Penzance.

The council said five of the spaces would be specifically marked as accessible parking spaces as well as a group of 14 lockable cycle stands for those who wish to leave their bicycles at the park and cycle facility.

It said there would also be a drop-off area for two vehicles, adjacent to the cycle stands.

Penzance Town Deal Board chairman Martin Tucker said: "By transforming underused land into a valuable community asset, the Park and Cycle scheme supports our commitment to sustainable transport and a healthier, more accessible town for everyone."

Penzance Town Deal Board said it successfully bid for £21.5m to support a range of projects in the town

Councillor Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for economy and investment at Cornwall Council, said construction of the new scheme would begin in the autumn.

Penzance Sustainable Transport Network received £3.5m from the Town Deal programme, run by the government, and £3m from the council.

Penzance Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, said it successfully bid for £21.5m to support a range of projects that will contribute to the regeneration of the town and boost local economy.