“Enough is enough” is the clamour from residents of Coverack after plans were revealed to knock down a bungalow and replace it with a four-bedroom “mega mansion.”
However, the applicants behind the application for 5 Bounder Treath – set in what residents describe as “a cul-de-sac of eight gentle bungalows” – say they want to move to the area as a family and believe the proposal is “sensitive” to the area.
The scheme has been put together by Truro-based architects and planners Laurence Associates, on behalf of the Measham family.
It would involve knocking down the existing bungalow Kenyn Peder, which the architects describe as “outdated and in need of substantial renovation works, due to its substandard construction.”
They go on to state that the existing property “does not make best use of the surrounding grounds and views towards the sea.”
In its place would be a two-storey house comprising four ensuite bedrooms, gym and open planning living area with balcony upstairs, together with a double garage.
Laurence Associates state: “Given the site currently contains a dwelling and is within a residential area, it is considered that the high quality and sensitive design would ensure that the proposed development sits well within the site in terms of the identified environmental constraints.
“It is the applicants’ intention to use the proposed replacement dwelling as their full-time primary residence.”
The design includes a hipped anthracite zinc roof and solar panels, with timber cladding on the house.
Existing vehicular access would be used, with a garden gate added to the southeast of the site.
“The views offered from the site would be enhanced by the proposed new dwelling,” state the architects, who add: “The design of the proposal is complementary to the character of the area and is an appropriate scale to its location.”
One woman writing in response to the Cornwall Council planning consultation states: “We do NOT need mega million-pound mansions for people who think Coverack is another branch of Center Parcs for their holidays and which are totally unaffordable on the average Cornish salary.
“Enough is enough. North Corner has been thoroughly over developed in the last few years and we need to draw the line.”
Of the 19 comments received by the council to date, all 19 are objections.
One man has written: “Having known the previous owner and spend time in the current property, I would agree it requires attention/modernising in parts and a new owner’s person touch, but is not deserving a complete knock down and rebuild.
“The proposed rebuild is totally out of character with all other properties with Bounder Treath and overbearing to surrounding and adjacent dwellings.
“This is yet another totally unnecessary re-build in an area of the village which currently is under siege with mega size developments, which do nothing and add no benefit the local community.
“Instead [it] puts pressure on the existing amenities and countryside.”
He feared to grant permission would “set a precedent for all property owners and would-be purchasers”, adding it “undermines all that is loved and cherished by those who live in a very special part of the county.”
Another woman states that the bungalow was owned by her parents who lived there from the time it was built in 1988 until the death of her father in 2021, adding: “The proposed development will not fit in with the look of Coverack village whereas the bungalows in Bounder Treath have complemented the look and feel of the village since they were built.”
She also states: “During the sale process in 2022, the new owners had several surveys carried out and as a consequence of these negotiated a price reduction on the agreed selling price to cover the remedial work that was recommended, which included new windows and doors, as might be expected for a property of that age.
“None of this remedial work has taken place since completion over 18 months ago.”
She refers to the original planning constraints when the bungalow was built in 1986, which said it must be single-storey “in the interest of the visual amenities of the area, which is designated as being an area of outstanding natural beauty” and that there should be no other vehicular or pedestrian access onto the classified road “in the interests of highway safety.” Natural slate roofs were also stated.
“Nothing has changed that would make them less applicable,” the woman has added.
The plans show that the ground floor would comprise of the master bedroom, with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe; another second large bedroom with an ensuite for the applicants’ daughter; two guest bedrooms, both with ensuites; a hallway; a gym; a utility room with a WC and shower/drying room; a cloak room; and an airing room. There is also to be a double garage which would include a plant room.
The first floor would consist of an open space dining, kitchen and lounge area; a study; WC, an outdoor balcony; and a void over the ground floor hall.
A bat house is proposed in the loft space above the garage, as well as recessed bat brick boxes on the north, west and east facing elevations.
Full plans can be found on the Cornwall Council planning portal via its website, reference PA23/10271.
The application will also be discussed at the next meeting of St Keverne Parish Council this Thursday, February 1.
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