A SCHEME to give a modern new look to an important part of St Austell town centre is seeking to move forward.

The town council has submitted an application for listed building consent for hard and soft landscaping improvements which would transform to an area of churchyard beside the historic Holy Trinity Church to create “an accessible and attractive space”.

The council says it is keen to provide a sensitively-designed scheme which both enhances the setting of the church and improves public access off Market Street.

The scheme, which if approved could be completed in the spring, is part of the St Austell Town Centre Revitalisation Project.

Angela Warwick of Situ8 Planning Consultancy is acting as the council’s agent as it seeks to gain permission for the church piazza scheme from Cornwall Council.

In a planning statement, the agent says: “The site is located in the heart of St Austell and comprises a majestic grade I listed church. The site lies within the centre of the St Austell Conservation Area.

“The surrounding wall and railings and war memorial are grade II listed. All the existing listed elements will be retained unless other historic permissions permit alteration.

“This application is concerned with the hard and soft landscaping within the grounds of the church which are not listed.

“The existing degraded aggregate is being replaced with a new permeable bound aggregate which forms the majority of the paved surface with any detail being formed with granite and pebbles to match the detail already within the churchyard.

“Changes to levels are minimal and created purely to make the space safe and accessible while ensuring that the whole site drains effectively.”

The new hard and soft landscaping would replace gravel, paved and grassed areas. A lime tree on the site would be protected and some new trees in planters would be installed.

The town council says the use of permeable bound aggregate, the provision of improved drainage and better accessibility are all to be welcomed.