An iconic part of the landscape in Truro city centre has had a reprieve and could get a new lease of life.

Moored on Lemon Quay for 42 years, The Compton Castle paddle steamer was due to be broken up after falling into disrepair and attracting rough sleepers, drug-taking and antisocial behaviour.

Cornwall Harbours Board agreed in March to start the £200,000 break-up process of the boat, which has previously been a café, restaurant and live music venue.

It was also going to seek match funding from Truro Town Deal board, and pursue recovery costs from the boat’s owner, Porthia Ltd, whose directors are Brian and Alison Ellsmore.

However, a planning application has been received by Cornwall Council from Paul Bent and Manti Tauren-Bent, of Treheveras Farm, Kenwyn.

Both are members of the Paddle Steamer Renovation Society and have sought permission to move the Compton Castle for restoration at their property between Truro and Shortlanesend.

Their application states: “Prior notification of agricultural or forestry development for historic paddle steamer Compton Castle, currently at Lemon Quay, Truro, to be crane-lifted from its mooring and transported to the B3284, and then crane-lifted onto our top field onto a prepared concrete plinth with railway sleepers to assist with existing farm crate sales business and renovate to its former glory.”

As harbour authority, Cornwall Council has had limited contact from the applicant. A spokesperson said the council’s focus is on working with Truro Town Deal to secure the boat’s removal as part of wider enhancement plans for the area.

Harbours Board chairman Cllr Loic Rich said at the March meeting: “The boat needs to be gone for a range of reasons, including on safety grounds as there has been some pretty bad stuff happening on that boat recently. Blue light services have been called there and the risk to emergency workers is very high.”

The meeting heard that the harbour authority’s legal team was in talks with Porthia Ltd to recover both a year’s unpaid rent and a contribution towards disposal.

Maritime manager Chris Jones told the board that without the Compton Castle’s presence, the prime waterside site’s rental value would be around the £20,000 mark.

More details of application PA24/04168 can be found on the council’s planning portal.