In brilliant news for Falmouth Salvation Army, planning permission was approved for a hall refurbishment at their building on Brook Street.

Amongst the work, there will also be a ramp modification to meet current building regulations.

The building work is expected to get underway in the autumn, with the premises believed to have been built in 1970, it is in need of some upgrades.

The work that will take place

The property is situated on a site that slopes back to front and left to right creating a much higher internal floor level to the front of the building.

To the left-hand side of the front elevation, the building line steps back to accommodate a ramp, steps, and a small hardstanding area behind a low-level boundary wall. This area is generally untidy and not particularly well kept creating an uninviting entrance area to the church.

The flat roof over the main entrance blocks regularly resulting in overflowing water running down the front elevation causing areas of damp staining and black mould growth.

A similar situation exists to the main roof directly above which has created dampness staining both internally and externally.

The ramp is also believed not to have the correct gradient in order to comply with the current Building Regulations and Equate Act 2010.

Speaking on the planning decision, Andrew Hammond and Nicola Hammond, Salvation Army Officers (Church Pastors), posted on social media:

"This is another step forward, but there are many more to go. So, keep on praying and hopefully the building work will commence in the autumn.

"In particular, pray for Patrick (Project Manager) and many others who are working behind the scenes across The Salvation Army (UK) and the wide range of external organisations appointed to the project."

The purpose of the application submitted was to improve the appearance of the building from the front, to create a more welcoming and inviting place to visit, and improve the general street scene.

The installation of large windows will welcome more light into the

main worship hall and reception area.

The second purpose of the application was to reconfigure the front access and hardstanding to provide a compliant ramp up to the building for those with disabilities and provide a temporary terrace area in conjunction with new sliding doors leading from the main hall to create a more open and useable breakout space in the future.

Other changes will include better WC and accessible shower facilities and a small utility space for the rough sleeper initiative. This would see the arrangement of smaller windows to the front elevation change slightly to accommodate these areas.

Details on the planning application read:

"To improve the appearance of the church and make it more inviting it is proposed to render the front elevation with a specialist self-coloured and insulated render.

"This, it is considered will reduce the need for future repainting/maintenance and also improve the thermal efficiency of the building.

"The change from a flat roof to pitched will also eliminate the need to regularly unblock the drainage and again generally improve the appearance."

In a concluding statement from Cornwall Council's planning officer Laura Potts, she said:

"Hall refurbishment, modifications to the entrance ramp to improve accessibility and elevational treatments at the Salvation Army Hall.

With reference to this planning application, I enclose the decision notice granting permission."

See more details on the plans here.

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