PROPOSALS to transform a former Lidl store into a “living complex for over-60s” is causing concern among some residents who live near the mooted development site.

Churchill Living is preparing a planning application for a new independent later living development in Penzance and is asking local people to share their feedback.

Some of that feedback hasn’t been favourable, with locals worried about the proposed residential development’s “overwhelming height” and a possible risk to flooding and traffic safety. One of those opposing the project says it poses “significant threats to our community”.

The proposal seeks to redevelop the long-term vacant former Lidl store at Western Promenade Road, in the Wherrytown area, regenerating the site to create what the developer says would be 55 attractive, high quality apartments and six cottages.

It says these will be for sale to over-60s who want to maintain their freedom and independence as they get older while enjoying the safety, support and social life that comes with being part of a later living community.

Churchill Living says apartment owners would have the benefits of a lodge manager, a 24-hour Careline system, a sociable owners’ lounge and a guest suite for visiting friends and family, all in landscaped grounds.

A company spokesperson said: “As we prepare to submit a formal planning application, we are keen to gather feedback and give local people the opportunity to have their say on our plans to regenerate this long-term vacant site near the heart of Penzance. Delivering new homes in this brownfield, seafront location will help to reduce the need for greenfield development to meet the urgent demand for new homes locally.

“By giving older people in and around Penzance the option to downsize, it will also help release many larger, second-hand properties back onto the market for local families to move into, also creating opportunities for local first time buyers to get onto the ladder.”

Julian Sincock, who is acting as a spokesperson for concerned locals, told us that the proposal is “causing a high degree of emotion amongst the immediate residents”.

“The proposed development is an overbearing development in an historic residential coastal location,” he said. “The four-storey height is totally unreasonable; the overwhelming height would dominate the entire landscape/seascape in all directions.”

He added: “By virtue of the proximity, size and scale of this proposed development, residential properties would be considered less desirable The proposed site is on a high-risk Zone 3 flood plain and has been deemed inappropriate for any residential development.”

Mr Sincock believed that car parking would be inadequate and does not allow for carers, visitors and other services, and questioned a lack of height perspective and scale on the pre-planning literature.

“The view of many is that the Lidl site needs a creative development that would regenerate Penzance, appealing to the broader local community and attracting more tourists to the town,” he said. “There is already a retirement lodge within the ward, The Mounts Bay Lodge. This is in a well sited position very close to the town & all the essential services.”

One of those who has given her pre-app feedback to the scheme is Amanda, who lives in neighbouring Lariggan Crescent and has not provided her surname.

She said: “This proposed development poses significant threats to our community, impacting not just individual properties but also the overall quality of life in our area.

“The scale and density of the proposed building are overwhelming and will introduce an obtrusive element into our landscape, fundamentally altering the character of our neighbourhood. Its towering height will dominate the skyline, creating an oppressive sense of enclosure that detracts from the open, natural beauty we currently cherish.

“Furthermore, the massing of such a large structure in close proximity will result in a substantial loss of natural light for surrounding homes. The encroachment on our properties will significantly reduce our sense of privacy, as the new building will create direct sightlines into our homes and gardens, making our living spaces feel exposed and uncomfortable.”

She believes that an increase in population density will exacerbate existing traffic and parking issues “rendering our roads less safe and more congested, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions and increased accidents”.

The original Lidl store in Penzance – the site of this proposal – closed in 2017 when Lidl moved to a new, larger store on the same road, which remains open today. Planning details have yet to be submitted to Cornwall Council for consideration.