CONCERNS have been raised over the density and height of a proposed 'overbearing' affordable housing development smack bang in the centre of Falmouth.

Community led 'Placemaking Group' Ambos sought pre-application advice from Cornwall Council about building up to 20 affordable homes on the old Smithick School site.

The mixed use development would include six workspaces designed around the concept of co-housing, all affordable for local people only, at the junction of Gylly Street and Smithick Hill.

However in its reply to Ambos, the council said it was particularly concerned about the impact on the street scene and ope. Also the impact on the Conservation Area and nearby listed building, namely the Old Jewish Synagogue, which is Grade Grade II listed, and the impact on neighbouring properties.

Falmouth Packet:

The site from the air

Principal Development Officer Laura Potts in her consideration brought up a range of issues including "significant concerns" with the amount of development proposed on two small sites.

"I welcome the different heights along the street frontage, and the reduction in height in front of Former Synagogue," she said. "However, I consider that the buildings are still too high in general.

"I think that three storeys along Gyllyng Street is too high and would expect the heights to be two storey, or possibly two and a half storeys."

Falmouth Packet:

A computer generated image of the proposal. Image credit Ambos

She added: "I have very strong concerns with the whole five storey block (Block B). This is a very small site, which is on sloping ground.

"You have proposed a development which would be very overbearing and un-neighbourly in my opinion.

"Given the small size of the site, you have built up to every boundary, which further emphasizes its size."

Falmouth Packet:

 

She said they had not taken into account the scale of the neighbouring cottages and the development which is already being built at Fish Strand Hill, and proposed to be built nearby.

"The proposed scheme is considered to be unacceptable in terms of its massing, height and design, which is considered to be inappropriate to the overall setting and character of both the adjacent Listed Grade II building and to the Falmouth Conservation Area and Historic Settlement designations," she said in her conclusion.

Falmouth Packet:

Proposed Street View: Vernon Street. Image credit Ambos

"Furthermore, the proposal is considered to be over-bearing in terms of the impact on neighbouring buildings, the street scene and ope, and un-neighbourly to nearby residential development. There are also objections from the highways officer."

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