Plan for new restaurant in Porthleven on gig club building

Plans have gone in for a proposed new restaurant on the site of the “former gig club” building at the Harbour Head – although the word “former” has been disputed by some members of the public upon seeing the plans, with the gig club lease still active.

Documents accompanying the application state: “Currently there is a small room used by the Porthleven Gig Club for storage. The gig club is now being relocated.

“The proposal is to dig out the grassed section of the Harbour Head to create a new restaurant area.”

In place of the building to the side of the slipway – referred to locally as ‘Old Man’s Shelter’ – would be a 180 square metre restaurant under the plans.

Computer generated images show the building to be part stone and part wood cladding, with a flat roof surrounded by barriers.

A CGI of the proposed restaurant next to the harbour slipway (Image: RA Design)

“The proposal includes for the reinstatement of the Harbour Head. This area will be raised approximately 300mm from the existing grassed area to create an area for performances and seating.

“This proposal will have very little impact on the harbour and its conservation area,” adds the application.

It goes on to state that the north side of the harbour was historically the area where boats were either built or laid up and repaired, and is still used for some boat repair and other industrial uses, but “with the decline of Porthleven as an active port it has lost its historically dominant role in the life of the town.”

Tony Best, chair of the gig club, told the Packet: “The club is in discussions with Mr Osborne, awaiting to see where we will be relocating to.”

The club has a committee meeting to discuss the matter in more detail next week.

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The proposals have already caused some upset in the community since the plans went live a week ago, with six comments left so far on the Cornwall Council planning portal – all objecting.

Jo Stephens wrote: “This building has been used as a community amenity for as long as anyone can remember, first as the ‘Old Man's Shelter’ and subsequently as a home for the gig club, which is open and inclusive to all members of the community, provides exercise and the unique experience of being on the open sea, and a cherished link to our heritage.

“The gig club is by no means ‘former’, they are competing again in the World Championships this year following their previous very successful placings.

“It is vital that they are able to store their equipment and are located by the slipway in the heart of the community that they represent.”

She went on to add: “Despite efforts to turn Porthleven into a foodie theme park, this is actually a harbour. Boats need to launch, which is a risky operation without having to negotiate members of the public wandering in and out of a restaurant.”

Sandra Carey also questioned the use of the word “former,” writing: “The application incorrectly states 'former gig club'. This location is still being used as a gig club. It is still serving the area.

“However, the viability of the club as a residential amenity in under threat by this proposition, as no other site compares to give the same safe access to facilities and the sea edge. A forced move would undoubtedly compromise this.

“We are a popular activity and attract a lot of attention during the tourist season with lots of people enquiring about the sport and coming out for a social row.

“I feel it is important for the club to be a visible part of the Harbour Head; the harbour is no longer a fully commercial fishing harbour so recreational use is important. The club uniquely provides this all year round.”

The plans can be viewed on the Cornwall Council planning portal reference PA23/00707.