An appeal that was aiming to demolish a pub in Falmouth, that has been closed for almost two years, has been refused.

The original plans were submitted to the planning portal in September 2021. The development included replacing the Boslowick Inn with up to 10 new homes.

The Plans to demolish Boslowick Inn were refused as the loss of a historic pub was deemed unacceptable (April 2022).

OPO Development (Cornwall) Ltd then submitted an appeal in March (2023) but that has also now been refused.

A planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State said: "The main issue is whether the existing building is a non-designated heritage asset and, if so, whether any harm resulting from its demolition would be outweighed by public benefits in the context of the policies of the development plan."

The inspector also went on to state their reasons for refusing the appeal. They said: "Whilst changes to the building during the interwar period and more recent changes have somewhat diminished its heritage value, the appeal scheme would result in the demolition of the building. As such, the harm to the significance of the building would be great, as the whole building would be lost.

"I noticed during my site visit that the poor state of the building was clearly detracting from its appearance. I also appreciate that the removal of internal features of interest could be carried out without planning permission, but this is not justification for demolition. Moreover, I have been given little compelling evidence that demonstrates there are no other, less harmful, means of securing the property.

"I acknowledge the main parties do not dispute that the use of the building as a public house is unviable. However, little substantive evidence has been presented to demonstrate that the building is structurally unsound or that it would not be viable to renovate the existing structure and bring the building back into a use, including as a residential conversion, either in its current form or with sympathetic alterations.

"Despite the acknowledged benefits identified by the appellant, the proposal would result in the total loss of a non-designated heritage asset (NDHA) and therefore loss of its significance, which the Framework indicates requires a balanced judgement having regard to the scale of the loss. As the loss would be total and there is little substantive evidence that demonstrates the building is structurally unsound or that it would not be viable to renovate the existing building and bring it back into use, the case for the removal of the building has not been justified.

"The positive factors considered cumulatively, even if an element of affordable housing would be provided, would be outweighed by the great harm to the significance of this NDHA which coupled with the aims and objectives of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies (CLP) and the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) leads me to conclude that, on the evidence before me, the case made for demolition is not convincing.

"The appeal scheme would fundamentally conflict with the development plan and the Framework when taken as a whole, including the made NDP. There are no material considerations identified, individually or cumulatively, which are of such weight to indicate a decision should be made other than in accordance with the development plan. Therefore, for the reasons given above, the appeal should be dismissed."

You can find all the information here: PA21/09322 | Outline application with some matters reserved for demolition of public house