Decision close on Godolphin Road wall saga in Helston

Helston Town and Cornwall Councillor Mike Thomas spoke to councillors at the town’s last full meeting of the year on Thursday, acknowledging the significant public interest in the site, which has remained in a state of semi-collapse for a decade.

Cllr Thomas explained that planning officers are on the verge of deciding on a new application to build a house on the site, which would remove the rubble as part of the process.

“I am aware of the public interest in the mineral bags on Godolphin Road," he said.

Cllr Thomas explained that planning officers are on the verge of making a decision on a specific application (Image: Helston Packet)

“The current owners of the site are awaiting the results of the application to have one home built.

"They are having regular conversations with officers, and I hope we will soon know the outcome.”

The applicant seeks permission for the construction of a single detached, three-bedroom (four-person) dwelling.

The design includes a first-floor rear terrace and a new vehicular access point from the public highway. Situated within an established residential area characterised by traditional terraced, semi-detached, and detached housing, the scheme also incorporates dedicated off-street parking.

See more details on their plans here: New home proposed on site of long-standing Helston eyesore

In his written report, Cllr Thomas stated: “I can report that officers are close to making a decision regarding the current application, which would see the wall removed and the land excavated for the building of one dwelling.

“The previous permission for two other homes lapsed in July, and I understand the landowner is awaiting the result of this application before resubmitting for the others.”

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The report serves as a reminder of the decade-long struggle that began just three days before Christmas in 2015, when the original retaining wall gave way, spilling rubble across the pavement.

At the time, the collapse caused a local uproar over the safety of parents with prams and mobility scooter users, who were forced to navigate a narrow path dangerously close to the road.

Cllr Thomas explained that planning officers are on the verge of making a decision on a specific application (Image: Helston Packet)

The temporary solution was meant to be a short-term fix. However, as of this December, it has reached its tenth anniversary with no permanent repair in sight.

You can read more about this here: Ten years after wall collapse this Helston pavement is STILL covered in rubble

Neighbour Jenny Jackson describes it as "mad" that the wall continues to be down ten years on (Image: Emma Ferguson/Helston Packet)

Addressing the current condition, Councillor Thomas described the state of the mineral bags as "terrible."

He did, however, provide assurance that safety remains a priority: “I understand that CC Highways is inspecting the mineral bags, and should they be deemed unsafe, the developer will be required to replace them.”