Residents of Penryn have been speaking out against a planning application that aims to build student accommodation in Carrick Business Centre.

The application put forward by JPM Integrations LTD, states that a 37 bedroom block of student housing is to be built on the lower and upper floors of Carrick Business Centre on Commercial Road.

In the design and access document, agent Ian Sullivan Architecture Ltd state that the property is "showing signs of deterioration due to lack of maintenance and the buildings not being in use".

They continue: "The two-storey building on the front right-hand side is considered in a deplorable state of disrepair, largely associated with significant penetrating and rising dampness."

The determination deadline of the plan is Thursday 13th August 2020.

Residents have been speaking out against the development, some claiming that more accommodation will cause further trouble with parking, which is reportedly already crowded.

Other residents are concerned that the accommodation is not directly for non-students, and are calling for more homes to be built for locals.

Commenting on the application process, Clare Kaszubowski said: "I am concerned about this application. I have lived in Penryn for 9 years and in that time the area has become more congested.

"The last 4 years I have lived in West Street and residential parking has reached dire proportions. It takes up to 25 minutes to park to go home and sometimes parking is up to a 10-minute walk away. This is getting worse and many students have cars."

President of the Falmouth and Penryn Sea Cadets, Peter Fish, has also spoken out on the development - as he believes it could interfere with the function of the boatyard and the registered youth charities activities.

Peter Fish said: "The proposed development adjoins the premises of Falmouth and Penryn Sea Cadets, a registered youth charity for the development of youngsters from 9 to 18 years old. Specifically, the western side of the Carrick Business Centre abuts the Sea Cadet Boatyard.

"It will be vital therefore that any use of the Carrick Business Centre does not impede the function of the boatyard. It will be essential that any windows on this side of the building are non-opening so that nothing can be thrown from the student accommodation into the boatyard.

"Sealed windows will also reduce any noise nuisance from the student accommodation. This has safety implications if noise disrupts instruction and supervision of boating activities.

"The Sea Cadets meet every Monday and Thursday evening and most weekends in the summer; usually with approximately 30 Cadets and 8 members of staff in attendance. There are also many events attended by parents and local dignitaries.

"For all these activities parking is a major problem day and night in Commercial Road and it is a concern that student parking will seriously exacerbate this issue."

Consultees from Penryn Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and Highway Management have echoed the issue of no parking in comments to the development plan.

Highway Development Management from Cornwall Council has proposed that all students who live in the property get a young person railcard and bought 2 x 5 day bus tickets (£15 each).

"These measures are designed to promote public transport and avoid students bringing cars to university in Falmouth/Penryn," they wrote.

Penryn Council wrote: "The Town Council would also like to see: 'A more robust Travel Plan, the introduction of 37 bedrooms along with the commercial use of the building has the potential to cause significant parking issues along Commercial Road and surrounding areas."

Martin Mumford, speaking on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police, wrote: "I note the site will have no parking for students. How will students be prevented from bringing vehicles to Penryn/Falmouth and parking elsewhere?

"It appears often a clause is inserted into student tenancy agreements about not bringing vehicles into Penryn/Falmouth. Is this likely to be the case here?"

What do you think about the plans? Let Nub News know by emailing our editors [email protected]/[email protected].