Consultation is now open on plans that would change the look of Porthleven's harbour forever.

An application has been submitted to redevelop part of Porthleven Shipyard to add a restaurant, office, studios and industrial units, along with public toilets and a new bus shelter, in a blue, circular building.

Currently the land owned by Porthleven Harbour and Dock Company is used for storing small boats, parking and an existing bus shelter.

Architects working on the so-called "innovation building" state: "The existing site will be greatly enhanced through the contemporary but respectful design of the proposed building, which is intended to be sensitive to the wider surrounding area and also to the Porthleven conservation area."

A second pre-planning application in December received support in principle from Cornwall Council's senior planning officer Matthew Doble, although he advised the architects to be "sensitive" to the conservation area and look carefully at the size, scale and finish of the development.

Among the concerns was that the proposed look-out section of the upper floor would affect the view of the Grade II* listed Methodist chapel, making it "harmful to its setting and the conservation area."

However, the architects are pushing ahead with this element in the full planning application, stating that the roof space is designed to be an observation area, providing "an innovative use for the roof area - other than a

typical roof - which will allow visitors to experience the harbour and the conservation area in a way that it cannot be at present with new, un-experienced panoramic views throughout the harbour and town."

The aim is also to use the roof for open air exhibitions and performances.

"The proposed multi-use roof space would be no more harmful than if a conventional roof form and appearance was adopted," argued the architects.

In response to another concern, relating to the type and colour of the building materials, the architects have suggested a condition whereby samples must be approved by Cornwall Council.

Residents and visitors to Porthleven now have until Monday, February 27 to have their say on the plans before Cornwall Council makes a decision.

What do you think about the look of the proposed building and how it would be used? Have your say online at thepacket.co.uk or visit the Packet Newspapers Facebook page to comment.