Proposal to replace Penzance shelter housing with flats

The new flats would be lower than the existing building

A housing association has revealed plans to replace one of Cornwall's tallest buildings with affordable flats.

Residents of Fountain Court in Penzance were told in October 2022 that they had to move out of their accommodation.

The building has 22 sheltered housing flats for people aged over 55.

DMA Architects has submitted a pre-application on behalf of LiveWest for advice from Cornwall Council's planning department.

This is with the aim of lodging a full application to demolish the tower block and replace it with 21 affordable apartments of which 13 would be two-bedroom flats and eight would be one-bedroom apartments.

The proposed new flats would be lower than the existing building.

A statement from the council's planning department said: "The proposal seeks to provide a scheme that utilises local materials found across Penzance but used in a contemporary way.

"There would be 17 parking spaces as well as a secure external cycle store to the rear.

"Due to the location of the site and its very close proximity to the town centre, community facilities, public transport links and existing unallocated parking along St Clare Street we consider that this ratio of parking is sufficient."

Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Councillor for Penzance East, said he was pleased to see the updated proposal.

"I called on LiveWest to replace as many of the affordable flats lost with new affordable flats, which are better insulated and fireproof. Pleased to see this is what they are now proposing."