A DECISION has been made on whether a popular pub in Falmouth will be allowed to make changes to its plans for a roof-top garden.

The Packet Station, Falmouth's JD Wetherspoon pub, had applied for what it described as 'non-material' amendments to its plans to build a roof-top garden above the existing pub.

Despite the support of Falmouth Town Council, a decision was made by Cornwall Council to reject the application on the grounds that it "has been determined to be material in nature."

A spokesperson from Cornwall Council explained the decision, saying: "The proposed changes, which include alterations to the extent of the roof terrace and paraphernalia located thereon as well as changes to barriers enclosing the terrace, are not considered inconsequential in relation to the visual perception of the development in the historically valued setting, while potential impacts, including noise disturbance, resulting from the development could differ from that originally approved, with the potential for third parties to be adversely affected.

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"The local planning authority therefore considers that the amendments cannot be considered non-material in relation to the grant of planning permission under decision reference

"PA22/07555. The submission therefore does not accord with Section 96A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

"As a result of this decision the development must be undertaken in accordance with the approved plans on the original application."

If given the go-ahead, alterations would have included an increase in the staircase canopy size, in order to leave more space for the void surrounding staircase one.

Staircase two would have also been widened from 1m to 1.2m, and escape staircase six replaced with a new staircase that matched the existing one there.

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The company wanted to add new glass acoustic screening, 1.55m high, to the roof terrace, and extend the staircase five lobby area on the roof terrace.

A new drinks hoist would have been added in an extended drinks/food servery area on the terrace, and new pergola structures added, in addition to "other minor internal alterations."

Explaining the reasoning for the proposed changes, the company said it would result in: "Better utilisation of space and improving conditions and functionality of existing features (staircases)."

It took The Packet Station, the town's JD Wetherspoon pub, four years to get planning permission to develop a roof-top garden on top of the building on The Moor.

This was finally agreed in February 2021 and the pub closed on June 26 this year for works to be carried out over the next six months.