Advice has been given from Cornwall Council following a proposal submitted to turn the former site of Falmouth Marks & Spencer's into an innovation hub and foodhall.

Back in February, we brought you the news of two applications submitted to make use of the site - with the other a retail and residential development.

The latest update from the proposals is that advice has been given for the innovation hub and foodhall submission, on 15th March.

Overseen by Laura Potts, Cornwall Council's Principal Development Officer, it has been recommended the plans be resubmitted and a Heritage Impact Assessment is undertaken as the proposal "reflects harm" to the Falmouth Conservation Area from the waterside design.

If it were to go-ahead, the site would bring together start-up businesses, local chefs, established companies and personal trainers.

In a concluding statement, Laura Potts said:

"The proposal will need to demonstrate that it is acceptable in terms of its design, impact on neighbours (including noise), 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).

"Currently, it is considered that the proposal reflects harm to the Falmouth Conservation Area from the waterside design. You are encouraged to undertake a Heritage Impact Assessment as a starting point. It may also be helpful to provide some visualisations of the scheme, or montages."

Other comments were from Matthew Williams, Senior Project Lead, Planning and Sustainable Development, he said:

"It is encouraging to see this emerging proposal on a key site within the town centre. It details a range of uses which the Place Shaping Board have highlighted would broadly support the town centre strategy within the NDP (Neighbourhood Development Plan) and the towns place-shaping priorities related to futureproofing the town centre and its vitality."

"The proposal, if developed, with consideration of the town centre strategy would contribute positively to the economic vitality and strength of the town centre in the future," Matthew said.

[H3] On parking, Matthew Williams added... [.H2]

"It is noted that the residential proportion of this proposal is small in relation to the other uses set out, and as such would be unlikely to generate any significant pressures to the delivery of the town centre strategy aim to manage vehicular movements and creation of a pedestrian priority.

"It is also noted that other parking options including permit parking within council car parks around the town are available and which are highlighted and supported within the NDP."

In a final opinion from the Conservation Officer, they believe a Heritage Impact Assessment needs to be undertaken to reduce physical and setting/character impacts on nearby listed buildings, and to the historic environment of the Falmouth Conservation Area.

The overall thoughts from the assessment were that the scheme including residential units would be a positive contribution to the delivery of homes in the Falmouth and Penryn Community Network Area.

"Overall, the principle of the land uses proposed by this development are supported by the development plan," Laura Potts added.

Click here to see the plans.

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