Plans to develop Falmouth's Marks & Spencers have taken a significant step forward after an official application was launched for a retail and residential scheme.

The former M&S store has been vacant following its closure in February 2019.

There has been a bit of a tug of war on the site in recent months with a second proposal submitted to turn it into an innovation hub and foodhall.

Now plans have seemingly edged forward for residential and retail plans on Market Street by Acorn Blue - the same developer as The Liner.

If given permission, Acorn Blue said it will see the regeneration of the building and return retail to the site and provide "valuable homes" for Falmouth.

The building will be broken up and converted into 14 residential apartments and parking with 3 small retail units, and parking on the lower ground floor.

There will be a private entrance knocked through the facade for the residents' cars to go through. There will be no public access to the river.

Discussing the plans back in January, Andrew Strathdee, Development Director at Acorn Blue, said:

"The Market Street development will retain a retail component, of a more accessible scale. The site, which extends through to the waterfront at the rear, will provide homes in an enviably central location, with direct water access.

"This will be our second site here in Falmouth, following the hugely successful The Liner, which is now almost completely sold off-plan, overlooking Gyllyngvase Beach."

Sharing the news and plans on social media, Jayne Kirkham Cornwall Councillor for Falmouth Penwerris, added:

"This is the flagship building in our town. What happens to it will set the tone for the rest of the high street."

Click here to see the plans for yourself.

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