A previously controversial application for a new restaurant on Portleven’s Harbour head has been resubmitted.
As before, the proposal is to convert the small building at the entrance to the harbour, known locally as ‘Old Man’s Shelter’ and used in recent years by the gig club.
The new application, submitted just over a week ago to Cornwall Council, states: “The site currently has a small building which was occupied by the gig club for storage purposes. The gig club are now currently in a new location.
“The proposal, as you will see from the drawings, have very little impact on the area as it will be dug into the existing harbour head.”
However, the gig club has disputed that the building is no longer in use, with chairman Tony Best saying: "The statement that the gig club 'used' to occupy the Old Man's Shelter is not true. We have a lease for that building with Trevor Osborne.
"The site is used for storing oars, life jackets and safety radios etc.
"At this point in time we have no suitable alternative location.
"The gig club is thriving, with our largest membership since its formation, as seen from Sunday's picture."
New 3D images showing the proposals have been submitted with the plans, by RA Design.
The chartered architects firm, writing on behalf of Trevor Osborne’s Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company, states: “The proposal is to dig out the grassed section of the harbour head to create a new restaurant area.
“The proposal includes for the reinstatement of the harbour head. This area will be raised approximately 300mm from the existing grassed area and also be finished with a green roof.
“The appearance and impact this building has on the Conservation Area is very minimal from all views as you will see from the elevation drawings.”
A previous planning application for the proposed restaurant was withdrawn in March this year, although it was expected at that time to be resubmitted.
Previously the application saw 58 comments of objection and four in support.
They included the Porthleven Fishermen and Boatowners Association, which objected due to a range of concerns, including the loss of a community space and erosion of the historic character of the area.
Members added that the green area, known locally as ‘the bank’ has been a boat and net maintenance area, and Porthleven was a working harbour, meaning: “This area and the entirety of the slipway is essential for boat maintenance and access is needed at all times to the quay and the slip; to moor, to launch and retrieve boats, to drop off gear and land catch.”
However, Richard Powell said: “I have no objections to this application – in fact I like the idea of yet another opportunity of a service business being created which will offer employment to local people and be a facility for both holidaymakers and residents.”
Currently there is only one comment to the resubmitted application, from Stephen Jewell, posted today (Saturday), who objects saying that the access across the front of the harbour has already been restricted, adding: “This new application will make that situation worse as I have no doubt the proprietors will make use of the walkway for more outdoor seating!
“Also the harbour is a working one, more people on that corner will result in more accidents or injuries. There are dedicated benches at the top where the restaurant will be...will these be protected?
“Any building work is likely to impact on both pedestrian and vehicular traffic on our main thoroughfare – which is crazy busy at the best of times.”
The new application can be viewed and commented on via Cornwall Council’s planning portal, reference PA23/06895.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel