A decision is set to be made on plans to demolish a former hospital and replace it with a new residential care home. 

A planning application for the former Trengweath Hospital in Redruth is set to go before Cornwall Council’s west sub-area planning committee next week.

The proposals, which have been recommended for approval by planning officers, are to demolish the former hospital and replace it with a 52-bed care home, to build six homes for over-55s and to refurbish and extend Trengweath House for use as a specialist extra care facility. 

The planning application also seeks permission to use Trengweath Cottage for staff accommodation.

In their report to the committee the planning officer states: “The scale of the care home is large, but it would provide a purpose-built development which has significant social benefits. Furthermore, the grounds of Trengweath House are relatively large and the development represents an efficient use of land.

“The contemporary design, although not replicating the style of the original house, would represent a new chapter in the evolution of the site and there would be a clear distinction between the original house and later additions.”

Local Cornwall councillor Barbara Ellenbroek and Redruth Town Council have both raised concerns about the vehicular access to the site and plans to have a one-way system in operation. 

They are also concerned about the impact the development could have on traffic in the area.

The town council also highlighted that concerns had been raised by Historic England which said that whilst it welcomed the retention and reuse of Trengweath House and Trengweath Cottage it felt that improvements could be made to the plans.

In its response Historic England said: “The principle of the development of the site for the proposed use is accepted and supported. We also consider that design improvements could be made to retain the character of Trengweath by avoiding its front facade being completely obscured by new build. 

“Design within the conservation area should ‘preserve or enhance’ its character. We are not convinced that the development achieves this aim at present.”

The buildings on the site are not listed but are considered to be historically significant and Cornwall Council’s historic environment department said it supported and echoed the views of Historic England on the application.

Cornwall Council’s west sub-area planning committee will make a decision on the application when it meets in Camborne on Monday (March 6).