A NEW £5.8million centre to support businesses in the creative industries described as a “statement of confidence in Penzance’s future” has been granted planning permission.

The striking modern, three storey building is planned for the site of a small car park in Causewayhead in the town.

It will provide studio space for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the creative industry.

The centre will support up to 42 new jobs and received support from Penzance Town Council and local Cornwall councillors.

However it also attracted a number of objections mainly from people concerned about the impact the modern building would have on a site which is in a conservation area.

But planning officers told Cornwall Council’s west sub-area planning committee on Monday morning that the development would have “less than substantial harm” on the conservation area.

Falmouth Packet:

Councillors heard that significant changes had been made to the planned building and design following comments from the public and the Cornwall design review panel.

This led to the height and mass of the building being reduced and it being set back slightly.

Read more: £5.8 million building project on town centre car park to be decided

Councillors heard that the benefits of the building were considered to outweigh the harm.

Nigel Pengelly from Penzance Town Council said that the council was supportive of the project along with other local organisations in the town.

He said: “The bodies that represent Penzance and have a say on development all want it to happen.”

Cllr Pengelly said that the project would “support the local economy, it enhances the town centre vitality and it is a statement of confidence in Penzance’s future”.

He added: “If this is refused the money and scheme will be lost. Penzance will have lost a much needed investment in the future.”

Committee member Mark Kaczmarek proposed that the plans be approved.

He said: “I can understand why people are objecting to this but I can also understand the huge impact that this investment could have in Penzance. The town council and all local councillors support it, I propose the recommendation as set out.”

Councillor Mike Thomas seconded the proposal saying: “I think this is a planning gain for the area and I will be supporting it.”

Councillor Linda Taylor added: “I think it is a huge economic development. I absolutely love the design and I want to congratulate the architects on this one. I am absolutely, fully supportive of this.”

The proposal to approve the planning application was agreed unanimously.