Preliminary plans to create a new care home for the elderly on the site of the fire ravaged Four Winds pub in Falmouth, have been given the go ahead.

Cornwall Council has granted conditional outline consent under delegated powers for the proposals put forward by developers One Red Limited. The approval follows a previous rejection of plans by the same company to build student accommodation on the site, which is accessed off Grenville Road.

The care home proposals will provide an 80 bedroom scheme based around a simple L shaped plan with a small return wing over two storeys to the south. The initial proposals shows a maximum of four storeys in height towards the south of the site. However, matters of scale, layout and appearance are reserved for future consideration.

In addition to the 80 bedroom the scheme also includes a number of ancillary spaces to support elderly residents, such as communal day room, laundry and treatment room. Externally, sensory amenity space is proposed together with a parking area for staff and visitors. The proposed layout seeks to retain all of the existing trees on

the site boundary.

Case officer Chantel McLennan says in her report: "The current condition of the site following the pub fire and the subsequent demolition of that building detracts from the character and appearance of the site that is also in a

prominent location on a main road into Falmouth.

"The proposal represents an opportunity to regenerate this vacant brownfield site with an alternative use that would be of benefit to the community. The site is within reasonable walking distance of the town centre and public transport links, meaning that the site is considered to be a sustainable one in terms of locating new residential development.

"Subject to careful design at any reserved matters stage it is considered a suitable scheme could be devised that would not cause harm to the visual or residential amenity. Taking these factors into account, on balance it is considered that the proposal is acceptable, subject to conditions."