Historic England has formally objected to the proposed redevelopment of a site in Truro, saying it would result in the total loss of a Grade II listed building that is "an important piece of Cornwall’s rich architectural heritage."

The objection has been made to a planning application to demolish the empty Malabar Centre, previously a primary school, and build a single-storey community centre with a car park for 35 vehicles, outdoor communal space and an allotment area.

Historic England said it understood that it could be possible to create important community facilities while still retaining the listed building, which at one point was Treyew County Primary Infants’ School.

The organisation said: "The total loss of a listed building is extremely rare, given the exceptional nature of such proposals and the recognition in national policy that listed buildings should be conserved wherever possible."

Historic England’s advice to Cornwall Council has been to recommend refusal of planning permission, on the grounds that it "has not been proven that the loss of the building is necessary, and there is no justification for the total loss of the listed building."

In addition it said: "While alternative options for a new community facility that would retain the building have been explored with the applicant by the council, they are not reflected in the current application.

"The most environmentally sustainable approach would be to reuse the building, as this would reduce carbon emissions and eliminate unnecessary waste. The building could be upgraded to improve its energy efficiency, and potentially extended if necessary. Listing does not mean that change cannot happen."

The former Treyew County Primary Infants’ School was built between 1959 and 1961 and was designed by F K Hicklin and his team in Cornwall County Council’s architects’ department.

The building is an early example of Cornwall’s post-war local authority school building programme. The single-storey school was formed of five hexagonal spaces together in a cross plan. Three classrooms formed the arms and foot of the cross, interlocking around a general teaching or assembly hall area.

Historic England said this was a radical change from previous school designs and represents post-war confidence and a modernist approach to architecture and education.

In 1961, the Architects Journal described the building’s appearance as "…something which is specifically Cornish, whilst being thoroughly in line with the very best forward-looking ideas on primary school design." The school won a commendation in the 1963 Civic Trust Awards.

The school’s forward-looking plan of linked hexagons, the good survival of its interiors and classroom spaces, and use of locally distinctive materials including Delabole slate add to its special architectural and historic interest.

It was listed at Grade II in June 2021 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.

Rebecca Barrett, regional director at Historic England, said: “We would be pleased to work with the council and the applicant to explore alternative options that would provide important facilities for the local community whilst retaining and celebrating the listed building.”

The planning application can be viewed on Cornwall Council’s website via PA20/10693.