Acorn Property Group is still in discussions over the redevelopment of the former site of Falmouth Marks & Spencer's into residential and retail units.

Pre-application advice was submitted recently by Acorn to turn the site into 15 residential units and 2 retail units - completely separate to the reports yesterday of the proposal to turn the site into an innovation hub, foodhall, gym and rooftop terrace.

Feedback came back this week, with concerns raised over the development with regards to parking, what impact it will have on the character of Falmouth and vehicle access.

Laura Potts, the Principal Development Officer wrote:

"The proposal will need to demonstrate that it is acceptable in terms of its design and impact on neighbours, enhances the Falmouth Conservation Area (or at the very least reflects 'Less than substantial harm' which can be weighed up against the public benefits of the scheme).

"It will need to provide a biodiversity Net Gain of 10%. If it can do

this, then it is likely to receive officer support.

"The challenges for this application are that there may be local opposition to the heavily residential mix, most notably for the mix and number of parking spaces provided.

"There is a strategic vision to prioritise pedestrian movements in Market Street over vehicular which weighs negatively against the scheme as proposed with parking included. This prioritisation is emphasised in the Falmouth Neighbourhood Development Plan and the Falmouth and Penryn Transport Strategy."

It was noted in the feedback that the proposal introduces parking on the site which will increase cars travelling along the main street, which is somewhat at odds with the aspirations of the community to reduce traffic along Market Street and increase pedestrianisation.

"It is felt that the current balance of residential uses and associated car parking provision would be likely to generate an increased use of the main street for vehicular access," the development officer added.

Laura continued:

"Given the local concerns regarding a heavily weighted residential scheme, you may want to provide some justification for this mix in your supporting statement."

Overall, the scheme was supported by the Highway Development Management, with Historic Environment Planning holding some concerns.

[H3] "Re-design of the proposals is advised" [.H2]

A spokesperson for the Historic Environment Service added:

"The two issues of a change of use from commercial to residential and of introducing additional vehicles to Market Street (and associated car parking) are entirely planning, this consultation response has focussed on mitigating the impact of the proposals on the historic environment of this part of Falmouth, and to its Conservation Area.

"A re-design of these proposals following the comments from the planning officer is advised.

"An appropriate Heritage Impact Assessment will need to be undertaken to mitigate physical and setting/character impacts both to the exterior of the nearby Listed buildings, and to the historic environment context of Falmouth Conservation Area."

It is expected that Acorn Property Group will come back with revised plans.

See the proposed plans here.

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