The scheme to turn a former oil depot on Castle Drive, Falmouth into a residential area and a new town park was greeted with high praise in yesterday evenings council planning meeting.

The plans see six residential units built on the site of a former oil depot and the development of a new town park.

Attending the meeting was the applicant Mark Scoot and Andy Walker, the project architect.

The application sees existing oil tankers removed which are depths of between 5-10 metres underground, the cleanup of the site and on the area of those oil tankers, there will be six houses which are cut into the slope all with green roofs so they blend in.

Councillor Steve Eva had high praise for the designs/application, saying:

"This is one of the best presentations I think we have ever sat through."

"This would allow people to walk into a park, enjoy the views from up the top and I believe this is something we should be supporting."

The Falmouth Civic Society has also voiced their support for the scheme.

The remainder of the site which is about 60% will be used to create a new town park with views of Falmouth and the estuary.

"We hope this will be an important community facility on a permanent basis," Mark Scoot added.

There was one technical conflict, the neighbourhood plans outlines no development of green spaces will be supported, Mr Scoots response to that was:

"I think this is slightly unusual in what we are trying to do is create a new green space in a poor quality area.

"The scheme will deliver a very high-quality open space and new housing. The application has been live for two and a half weeks, we have five letters of support and no objectors. It does show to an extent the quality of the designs and the benefits of a town park."

[H3] Who is going to keep the park? [.H2]

Councillor Geoffrey Evans query about who would manage the park.

Mark Scoot said:

"At the moment we will obviously pay to set up the park, I think if we get a resolution to approve or support we will want to talk to the Town Council about whether you would like to take the park.

[H3] Fencing of the park [.H2]

Mark Scoot commented:

"Our thinking would be it be open on a permanent basis, if antisocial behaviour became an issue we could look at putting gates on it so it can be closed at night."

The preliminary view of the case officer is that the scheme has been well thought out, and should be recommended for approval.

Councillor Spargo added:

"I think it is a fantastic scheme, it will be better the older it gets because of the planting, great for the town, I don't see any issues with it. Fully support it."

The application will now be transferred to the ward member.

Click here to view the plans for yourself.

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