A DEVELOPER has seen the ‘brakes’ put on its plans to demolish a car repair workshop in Newquay and build a new development.
Cornwall Council has refused a planning application to knock down Tower Road Garage and construct a mix use development of three commercial units and 12 flats as the scheme would be too overbearing on neighbouring properties.
A number of residents opposed the plans due to concerns the scheme would be an overdevelopment of the site and due to the parking spaces, that would be provided.
One stated the development would be “unneighbourly, domineering and feels very intimidatory.”
Newquay Town Council objected to the plans following concerns at the overbearing relationship that aspects of the proposed development appear likely to have an “unacceptable loss of privacy, natural light and outlook” on a neighbouring property.
West Coast Architecture, on behalf of the developer Oasis Developers Ltd, stated the mixed use of commercial and residential is the “most suitable to this area of the town and would blend well with the character of the surroundings where ground floor commercial units below residential properties are often seen.”
The architect added the provision of three commercial units would be a welcomed addition to the town, "especially as they are proposed to replace a business that has been proven unviable for its owner to keep running.”
Three of the flats would be holiday use only and 12 parking spaces would be provided.
The architect said the parking provided would be "considered sufficient due to the lack of physical space onsite to provide more than one per unit, as well as to the extremely sustainable nature of the site due its proximity to the town centre, public services, open spaces and commercial amenities.”
But residents stated the parking spaces designed in the development have a low height so any high vehicle would be left on one of the neighbouring streets.
They added the parking spaces “also they look very tight so only small cars will be able to get in there,” which would put greater pressure on the existing residents and “make our life's harder as a result.”
Cornwall Council rejected the proposed mixed-use development concluding the scheme is too high and would overshadow other properties.
The notice of refusal stated: “The proposal, by reason of its height, massing, proximity, window configuration, and the Coach House's in-set balcony and first floor access walkway, would result in significant and unreasonable overbearing, overshadowing and overlooking harm to the residential amenity of those occupying the kitchen-dining room and first-floor terrace belonging to the neighbouring property at 66, Tower Road.”
Cornwall Council added the scheme had no Section 106 provision in place to ensure affordable homes were built or an off-site contribution for educational infrastructure and public open space, which is required as part of the planning process.
“In the absence of a completed Section 106 planning obligation, the proposal fails to provide an appropriate mechanism to secure the provision of affordable homes in an area of need and therefore does not provide a mix of homes to help promote an inclusive mixed community.
“Additionally, no mechanism is provided to secure an off-site contribution for educational infrastructure and public open space, for which there is evidence of an identified need.”