Historic Cornwall site set for major overhaul

Outline plans to convert a historic Cornwall site into a mixed-use development – as well as bring forward new housing and a care home – are set to go before committee.The application concerns Polwithen House on the western edge of Penzance.The property is the former grand residence of William Bolitho, who built it in 1869/70. It was sold and reopened as the Riviera Palace Hotel in 1906 until 1917, when it was sold back into the Bolitho family.It was then bequeathed to Penzance Church High School for Girls, before it closed in 2017. The nursery remains open.Proposed is the second phase of development at the site, with the first phase including the relocation of the nursery into the Rosamunde Pilcher building.Lined up now is regenerating a site that has “broadly fallen into disuse”.This would see the conversion of Polwithen House into 19 apartments with a café/restaurant, fitness studio, three community rooms and ancillary spaces.A two to six-storey block containing 56 apartments would also be built, as would a two to six-storey block containing 58-bed extra care and close care accommodation unit.Elsewhere, there would be a three to four-storey block containing a 47-bed dementia care home with an end-of-life suite and hydrotherapy pool.A report drawn up ahead of Cornwall Council’s planning committee meeting on 11 December noted that it is a “complex and locally significant development for this part of Penzance”.”However, it is evident from the submissions that the approach to its development has been carefully, patiently and methodically considered, including by way of a preapplication consultation, referrals to the Design Review Panel (DRP) and consultation with the local community.”It added: “The lack of affordable housing provision is disappointing. However, this has been robustly assessed, on behalf of both the applicant and Cornwall Council, and it is clear that this development would simply not be viable if such a contribution was secured.”Accordingly, the council’s Affordable Housing Team has raised no objection.”Taking these factors into account, it is considered that the proposal is acceptable on balance, subject to conditions and the completion of a S106 Agreement securing the necessary planning contributions.”All other matters raised have been taken into account, including the planning history and the comments of the Town Council, but none are of such significance as to outweigh the considerations that have led to the conclusion.”