The application aims to also free up land for the potential delivery of extra care homes and affordable housing on the site. The reference number for the application is PA24/04344 and can viewed by visiting: https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SEJT04FG0CQ00&activeTab=summary
One of nine projects due to be delivered as part of the multi-million pound St Ives Town Deal, the submission of the planning application marks a key milestone in the development and delivery of this scheme to provide much needed local housing and extra care facilities in St Ives, as well as delivering new sports facilities for the local community.
Discussions over the need to improve the clubhouse building, facilities and make better use of the site have been taking place for some time. The project will free up land to both create new homes and better facilities for an organisation that has long been a core part of the community.
If approved the plans, which have been developed in conversation with the Rugby Club, the RFU and meet the requirements and standards of Sport England, will see the new sports facility remaining on the same site but relocated further north in the position of the existing grandstand.
This will then, in turn, free up the space for the new affordable housing and extra care accommodation in respond to identified local need. The land is owned by Cornwall Council.
The planning application is a ‘hybrid’ type, with a full planning application for the relocation of the current clubhouse building and training pitch and associated access, parking and landscaping; and an outline planning application (with all matters reserved) to provide for up to 50 dwellings and up to 70 extra care units with associated open space.
An outline planning permission allows for a decision on the general principle of how a site can be developed, whereas a full permission is detailed and no further planning permissions are necessary.
The application was formally validated by Cornwall Council’s Local Planning Authority on May 31. A decision on the application is currently expected to be made in Autumn 2024 following a full consultation and publicity process involving the public, expert consultees and many other stakeholders. The Council is able to receive comments at any time while it is considering the planning application.
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: “Our role is to support the towns to realise their ambitions for their communities and it’s great to see the plans for the rugby club project have reached this significant milestone.
"A great deal of work is going on behind the scenes in St Ives to bring to fruition projects which will have long lasting benefits for the local community for years to come.”
There are two main ways for people to comment on the planning application.
These are:
· Cornwall Council’s online planning portal: https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/
· Or by letter to Cornwall Council Planning Department, New County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3AY
For more information about the progress of all the St Ives Town Deal projects, visit: www.stivestowndeal.org.uk