ALTERNATE plans for a controversial development in West Cornwall have been unveiled after the original planning application was described as a ‘monstrosity’ and ‘gross overdevelopment’.

Concerned residents in Penzance have responded to Cornwall Council’s own property developer Treveth’s controversial planning application on the landmark Coinagehall site, by revealing an alternative scheme which they hope will get the backing of local stakeholders, including Cornwall councillors, Penzance Council and the wider community.

Treveth’s scheme has been highly controversial with over 270 letters of objection from the public. Having been rejected by Penzance Town Council, the developer is now working with local stakeholders to try and address some of the objections raised, but the group say an alternative option should now be considered given the risk of losing significant government funding, and their proposal seeks to be less controversial in putting the community first.

The group of locals, who are backed by Penzance Civic Society, say their alternative proposal for the seafront site fulfils all the criteria outlined in the original development brief and also creates a destination that could drive the local economy and uphold the historic character of the town.

With an overall theme of 'health, happiness and well-being’ the scheme includes the creation of a new open space called Battery Square, suitable for public events and regular markets, the rejuvenation of the existing St Antony Garden with eco-friendly leisure facilities including wood-fired saunas and hot tubs, the development of affordable homes on Quay Street and a new ‘Pavilion for Penzance’ which will host cultural and community events, including exhibitions and activities working in close partnership with Jubilee Pool and other local cultural venues.

Gerry Penrose, Chair of Penzance Civic Society said: "The alternative proposal feels like a breath of fresh air. The scheme would provide affordable housing, a new public events space, and it responds to the thousands who petitioned for the retention of a ‘People’s Gallery’ on the location’.

Martin Nixon, a member of the team behind the rejuvenation of Jubilee Pool said: "Like so many others, I was disheartened by the Treveth proposal, in my view its simply a gross overdevelopment of our prime seafront location, and given they are owned by Cornwall Council it’s shocking that their scheme does so little for the local community.

"I wanted to help develop a viable community-driven scheme that provides a real catalyst for future regeneration. This key site belongs to the people of the town and the Treveth scheme does nothing to reflect its historic role as ‘A playground for Penzance’ - a distinctive destination for locals and visitors alike."