Structural changes to a highly visible ‘bridge’ spanning the entrance to Falmouth High Street would be inappropriate for the area, Cornwall Council has advised.

The owner of the flat known as The Lookout had asked for advice from Cornwall Council over plans to replace the existing bay window facing down the street with a large timber, glass and steel balustrade window frame and a recessed balcony.

Falmouth Packet: An artist's impression of the proposed new window, solar panels and roof windowsAn artist's impression of the proposed new window, solar panels and roof windows (Image: Lane Architects/Cornwall Council))

The applicant Peter Jefferson says he wants to replace the existing bay window because it is in disrepair and requires replacing as it leaks.

He also wants to put in a new solar array and conservation roof windows on the roof of the small studio flat.

The Bridge is an unusual dwelling spanning across High Street within Falmouth's Conservation Area. The unit is part of the original large redevelopment of the site in the late 1980's. It was originally intended as an office unit with flats surrounding.

There are numerous Listed buildings in the vicinity to the south and the dwelling is highly visible and recognisable within the area.

Falmouth Packet: The Bridge over the entrance to the High StreetThe Bridge over the entrance to the High Street (Image: Paul Armstrong)

The development manager for the historic environment at Cornwall Council said in his comments said that in his opinion the design was not appropriate.

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“Unfortunately, HEP still considers that this basic architectural design form should remain, and HEP does not support the scheme for a large window as currently proposed. The site has a high visibility, and it is within the close setting of Grade II* and Grade II buildings,” he said.

'The Bridge' was originally built as an office in 1986 which spanned the road between two contemporary buildings (flats/apartments) of a similar date.

There have been a few planning applications to change the design of this C20 'oriel' window, and none appear to have been successful.

The Bridge at the top of Falmouth High Street stands at the entrance to the town and was built by Peter DeSavary, the founder of Pendennis Shipyard, the late 1980's, early nineties as part of a re-development of the area.