Questions have been put to Cornwall Council officials over how two grade two listed cottages were allowed to be knocked down in Porthleven.

The port's town councillors called a meeting on Monday night with Sue Walters, head of development management for planning and regeneration in the west area and Peter Blackshaw, enforcement group leader.

It follows the demolition of adjoining historic cottages at 7/8 Peverell Terrace, whose owners had been given planning permission and listed building consent for the development of the site but then builders demolished the buildings - something that would normally need separate permission.

An investigation at Cornwall Council found that due to "ambiguous" wording on the approved planning application, which suggested the buildings could either be "made good" or "alternatively rebuilt" the council would be unable to prosecute.

The builders also argued that demolition was necessary for public safety.

The result angered the town councillors, who said it made a "mockery" of grade two listing.

On Monday Ms Walters and Mr Blackshaw were asked what procedures had been put in place to make that something similar did not happen again.

For the full story see tomorrow's Packet.