Flats overlooking Porthleven harbour planning application

The designs were submitted to Cornwall Council at the end of last year and now members of the public and organisations have been having their say before a decision is made.

The application relates to the construction of a new residential development of five apartments, along with ground floor commercial premises, on an open area of previously developed land between the old fish warehouse and the lime kiln at Breageside, Mount Pleasant Road.

Lilly Lewarne Architects has been appointed by Thames Exchange Ltd, described as the current owners of the site, which is within the inner harbour at Porthleven.

Although the applicant is listed as Robert Moore, one of the directors of Thames Exchange, Trevor Osborne – who was behind previous planning applications for the site – is also listed as a director of the company on Companies House.

Planning permission had previously been granted to Mr Osborne in 2019 to convert the old fish warehouse and reconstruct the lime kiln, while developing the area in between, to create a 15-bedroom hotel with restaurant and gallery.

What were described as "minor material amendments", were then agreed in March 2022.

However, this new application is a change of direction as it focuses on residential apartments rather than holiday accommodation.

The flats would 'infill' between the old fish warehouse and the lime kiln (Image: Lilly Lewarne Architects/Cornwall Council)

It states: “It is considered that these previous approvals on the site demonstrate the subject site’s suitability for a new build development of this nature, and that the overall suitability of proposed massing, materiality, and form of the new build proposals within this setting are therefore deemed appropriate to the harbourside setting.”

In the application it states the existing site access along the quay would be retained for access to the ground floor commercial units and to the base of the communal stairwell access to the apartments.

A dedicated communal bin store and waste / recycling collection area would be provided for the flats, as well as communal secure cycle storage area at ground floor level.

Dedicated resident and visitor parking would be set aside in the carpark at the Shipyard, and there would be a delivery/drop off space to the front of the property for both the commercial and residential elements of the proposal.

The application adds: “Whilst it is recognised that the development would not provide affordable housing…the current proposal would respond to the housing crisis by increasing the supply of housing using previously developed land and contributes to the housing stock in Cornwall, aiding the Council's pledge to tackle Cornwall's housing crisis.”

Architectural drawings for the proposed apartments (Image: Lilly Lewarne Architects/Cornwall Council)

The new proposals have received a mixed reaction from members of the public in comments submitted to Cornwall Council’s planning portal.

One objector spoke of concerns for the bats living in that area, writing: “Planting a block of flats right in front of a bat habitat (and a site of county importance in the surveyor's own words!) and blocking the bats' access can only be justified, in environmental terms, if the development is essential. But is it essential?

“Will it help with the housing crisis? Is it aimed at first time buyers? (What about the penthouse…?) No, it is aimed at second home owners and holiday lets and therefore a money-making enterprise with no thought for the local populace or wildlife.”

Others believed it represented over-development of the land and would create parking problems, particularly as spaces that are already being used were being reallocated.

The impact on the environment, the historic nature of the area and an increase in traffic were also raised.

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However, there is also a comment of support, with one man writing: “As a local businessman that deals with multiple companies within Porthleven, which puts me in front of a lot of visitors to the harbour, I fully support this kind of development of the area. This derelict area right in the heart of the harbour is such a negative for businesses and visitors.

“The need for more tourism and development is key for Porthleven's longevity, to keep up with other locations in Cornwall that are moving with the times. Improving this area to include the lime kiln and old fish warehouse will finally bring this dead area up to date, bringing a much needed upgrade for visitors and businesses.”

Full details of the application can be found on the planning portal of Cornwall’s Council’s website, under reference PA23/10049.