DEVELOPERS have re-submitted revised plans to build two new buildings containing eight flats slap bang in the middle of Falmouth.

F.P. Kitchener Ltd, based in Port Pendennis, want to build the residential development with eight flats on Bells Hill and in Bells Court, home of Beerwolf Books.

 

Building B located in Bells Court right in front of Beerwolf Books and will contain four one-bedroom flats.

Building B located in Bells Court right in front of Beerwolf Books and will contain four one-bedroom flats.

 

A previous planning application for ten flats and a shop on the same site was withdrawn in June 2019 following opposition from the pub and bookshop.

The two new buildings are designated A and B. Building A is located on Bells Hill/Smithwick Hill and will contain three one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat. Building B located in Bells Court will contain four one-bedroom flats.

The architects, CAD Architects based in Falmouth, say this new application is completely redesigned and revised for a smaller scale of development with a reduction in height, floor area and the removal of half a storey height from Building A, and an entire storey height from Building B.

 

Building A is located on Smithwick Hill/Bells Hill/ and will contain three one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat. Image Cad Architects

Building A is located on Smithwick Hill/Bells Hill/ and will contain three one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat. Image Cad Architects

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They say during the intervening period extensive pre-consultation discussions have been carried out with the town council, Cornwall Council planning and conservation officers and locally elected councillors, Jayne Kirkham and Laurie Magowan.

"The site is previously developed land located within the urban area of Falmouth and is within acceptable walking distance of a range of services and facilities that would cater for the day to day needs of prospective occupiers," they say in summary. "The site is therefore considered to be a sustainable one for residential development in terms of its location.

"The land is currently in an unsightly condition and has a harmful impact upon the character of the conservation area, and the setting of nearby listed buildings. The proposed development will have a significantly beneficial impact on the area.

 

The entrance to Bells Court

The entrance to Bell's Court

 

"The improvements to the public realm with a safer, more attractive and enhanced environment meets the aspirations of the Neighbourhood Development Plan to enhance the town centre."

They add: "The development has been carefully designed to ensure that there will be no significantly harmful impacts on the residential amenities of any neighbours."

 

The site on Smithwick Hill/Bells Hill

The site on Smithwick Hill/Bell's Hill

 

The original application was opposed by the owners of Beerwolf Books and Falmouth Civic Society on the grounds it was “overbearing, detrimental and causes substantial harm.”

Bell's Court itself dates back to the 17th century and has been used as a customs house, packet ship station, post office, working men’s club and the house of Captain Bell and his family.