Plans to breathe new life into former police and fire stations are among the latest planning applications submitted to Cornwall Council, writes Lee Trewhela.

Every week more than 100 applications are validated by Cornwall Council and we have selected some of the more interesting proposals. All planning applications submitted to the council have to be validated and are available for inspection by the public. Anyone is also allowed to submit comments about the applications — whether in support or objection.

The majority of applications are decided by planning officers at the council under delegated powers. 

However, some applications will go before elected councillors who sit on planning committees. No dates have been set for when the planning applications below will be determined. 

They can be viewed by going to the planning portal on Cornwall Council’s website.

Geoff Greaves, who owns Merlin Cinemas, has applied to turn the former police station on Dove Street, St Ives, into six apartments. The building recently closed as an active police station with a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson noting that the building “no longer suited the needs of a modern police service”.

The police station appears to have been constructed around the early to mid 20th century and its design nods to the Art Deco period.

A planning statement says there are limited opportunities for the town’s workforce to find “reasonable and permanent accommodation to suit their needs within St Ives and are they are subsequently having to travel, sometimes significant distances, to work. 

“This lack of accommodation, coupled with limited parking and public transport, can lead to local businesses struggling to find and retain suitable staff.

“This planning application seeks planning permission for a modest extension at second floor and a change of use of this building to provide six self-contained apartments to serve as primary accommodation.”

For more details see PA23/09022: planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=S3RF4PFGHCC00&activeTab=summary

Turning a fire station into a home

An application has been submitted to change a former fire station on Robartes Road, St Dennis into a two-bed dwelling with parking and roof terrace complete with solar panels on the roof. For more details see PA23/04289: planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=RV5RTBFG1OU00&activeTab=summary