PLANS for the modernisation of a cottage hospital are among the latest planning applications submitted to Cornwall Council.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has applied to install a temporary healthcare building to help modernise and upgrade the Victorian block of Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital (CRCH) at Barncoose, Redruth.

A planning application states that the majority of the estate portfolio is in the top ten of oldest NHS estates in the country. The Victorian part of the community hospital requires significant refurbishment.

A structural report has identified that components of the building have sustained significant damage and deterioration due to damp and mould. It is likely that much of the structural timber will need to be replaced.

The upgrade works will provide necessary fire remediation work required to bring the Hyman Ward back into operation, meeting up-to-date fire safety requirements. To enable these much-needed works a modular ward is needed on the CRCH campus.

The new temporary building is designed using off-site modular construction to shorten construction time and minimise disruption on site. The building will arrive on site as separate modules which will be craned into position. It will link to the existing building and provide a direct route from the ambulance drop-off.

For more information, see planning application PA23/10045 and visit: https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=S5IGJRFGJOF00&activeTab=summary

Meanwhile, in nearby Helston, pre-application advice is being sought by the Trevow Helston organisation to turn the existing Old Cemetery Chapel in Meneage Road into a performance centre. Works would include replacement doors and windows, the addition of toilet facilities and solar panels, and the replacement of internal flooring.

For more information, see pre-planning application PA24/00653/PREAPP and visit: https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SDVPQ6FG0IS00&activeTab=summary

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.