An “iconic” 150-seater auditorium and recording studio has been suggested as a potential new home for Porthleven Town Band.

It was one of two proposals being put before Porthleven Town Council last week by architects working on behalf of the band, which has been looking for a permanent building for 20 years.

However, it was a second, more modest – but ultimately realistic - proposal, for practice rooms being built near to the cricket club, which received the support of councillors, after hearing of a number of complications involving the former.

Architect James Moran initially set out his concept for the grand development on the Moors, which he described as an “iconic” project.

He explained that due to the land being in a flood zone any building would have to be raised four to five feet from ground level, which when combined with a two-storey building would effectively make the proposed development three storeys high.

It would include a recording studio, full auditorium with tiered seating for up to 150 people, a meeting room and kitchen, with the opportunity add an “external performing space,” although Mr Moran joked: “I wouldn’t say amphitheatre – we’re not talking Minnack here.”

This proposal, he said, was seen not just as a home for the band but for other uses also, primarily relating to the performing arts.

One major sticking point, however, would be the legality of using the land.

Deputy mayor Andrew Wallis explained that in 1933 the Moors was given for the benefit of Porthleven, initially controlled by Helston Borough Council, then Kerrier District Council and now Porthleven Town Council.

The deeds state that the land cannot be let, sub-let or gifted to anyone and to do so would require a court agreement, which would cost in the region of £10,000.

The second concept is to build at the Amenity Area, near the cricket club, which would just be about the band’s needs, although it could be used by other bodies also.

It would include a smaller hall, rather than a full auditorium, and a meeting room, with the intention of also incorporating the gig club that currently stores its gigs on the land.

“We do see it as far less difficult and the legality is much clearer,” said Mr Moran.

Mr Wallis said this would be his preferred option, which would have benefits for both the cricket club and gig club – which he said would be “over the moon” by such a development - although it would require bringing electricity to that area.

“For me the Moors is a play area. To have a large building on there would cause a lot of angst,” he added.

Mr Moran agreed, saying: “We’re talking about the needs of the band. The Moors was an opportunity to create an iconic piece of architecture, but that’s not what it’s about.”

Trustee Lynne Lees shared this view, saying: “It’s easy to run away; get carried away and start building the Taj Mahal. This is about the young people playing in the band; encouraging young people in the band, gig club and cricket club all in one area – that would be a phenomenal thing for the future of the village.”

Which building would you rather see as the new home of Porthleven Town Band? Have your say online at thepacket.co.uk or visit the Packet Newspapers Facebook page.