DISCUSSIONS are continuing over the future of a prominent eyesore building in the centre of St Austell.

There has been long-running disagreement over what should be done with the grade II listed former General Wolfe pub, off Truro Road.

Cornwall Council, which has involvement in the building through Conserv Facilities Ltd, has told St Austell Town Council the premises will be used to house homeless people.

However, the town council is strongly against this idea and has been pressing Cornwall Council over “the continued neglect” of the building by Conserv Facilities.

Town councillors fear “more placements of people with chaotic lifestyles” in the town centre will cause further anti-social behaviour problems.

Conserv Facilities bought the former pub a few years ago with the intention of refurbishing its apartments for use by homeless people. After a series of feasibility studies for alternative uses, the company has come back to its original idea.

The former pub building has reportedly become a location for anti-social behaviour and squatters have had to be evicted.

The town council has voted against a suggestion to demolish the former pub to make way for public realm or road improvements. However, the council has told Cornwall Council that a community use, other than housing, should be found for the premises.

Town clerk David Pooley has been having discussions over “the latest thinking with regard to the General Wolfe building” with Cornwall Council.

St Austell and Newquay MP Noah Law has joined the debate on the future of building and has conducted an online poll.

The Labour politician asked people what they thought should be done about the former pub which he says was bought by Conserv Facilities for £1-million then left to become an anti-social behaviour hotspot.

The poll focused on three main options. The first was to explore demolishing the building to carry out road improvements and create a more attractive public street scene.

The second was to research delivering accommodation for professionals and families.

And the third was to explore the potential use of the site as a facility for young people.

In total, 370 people responded to the poll with the result being: 179 in favour of demolitiion, 107 wanting the creation of flats for professional people and 84 voting to create a facility for young people.

Mr Law said: “Finally, the people have been able to have their say on the future of a landmark building.”

Conservative Anne Double, the Cornwall councillor St Austell Central and Gover, said: “While I appreciate Mr Law’s involvement, what he seems to overlook is that many of us are working behind the scenes to find a solution for this building.

“Demolition is just one of the options being considered. Had he engaged with me, as the local Cornwall councillor for the town, when I reached out to him in January - rather than choosing to ignore my communication - I would have been able to provide him with the latest updates. Collaboration is key, Mr Law, and it’s through working together that we can make progress.”