A developer behind plans to turn the empty Mark & Spencer building in Falmouth into flats and shops has appealed against a refusal of the application.

Acorn Blue had lodged an application to convert the iconic building in Market Street into 14 residential apartments which ranged from one to four bedrooms, and three retail spaces on the ground floor along with car parking on the lower ground floor level.

But the application was refused by Cornwall Council's planning committee in December last year on the grounds that it would generate an increased use of the main street for vehicular access which goes against the strategic vision to prioritise pedestrian movements in Market Street. Falmouth Town Council had also recommended refusal.

The appeal is to be decided on the basis of an exchange of written statements by the parties and a site visit by an inspector.

All the original representations made to Cornwall Council on the application will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate and Acorn Blue (unless they are expressly confidential). These will be considered by the Inspector when determining the appeal.

Anyone who wishes you to make further comments, or modify/withdraw their previous representation, can do so online using the Planning Inspectorate website at acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or by post to The Planning Inspectorate, Mr Sean Ernsting, Room 3M, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN. All representations must be received by 28 July 2022.

Any representations submitted after the deadline will not usually be considered and will be returned. All representations must quote the MHCLG appeal reference.

The Acorn Blue application was one of two competing schemes for the building with another developer, The Pentire Group, looking for a more community-based development.

They want to provide a space for innovation and growth with different local companies and freelancers coming together in the town centre.

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They would be looking to showcase local chefs, local companies and freelancers as well as holding community events and developing access to the sea in partnership with Falmouth Harbour.

There has been a lot of interest in the two competing schemes with the Packet running a poll in 2020 asking people which development they preferred. The results showed that 79% preferred the Pentire scheme while only 9% wanted the Acorn Blue development.

But since then the Pentire scheme has gone quiet.

Marks and Spencer closed its store in Falmouth on Saturday, February 2 after being in the town for more than 80 years. It originally opened in 1933.