DPP have secured planning permission at appeal on behalf of Investin Sheldon Falmouth Developments Ltd for the demolition of the former Sheldon House Nursing Home and the development of 28 two-bedroom apartments in Falmouth, Cornwall.
The site is within the Falmouth Conservation Area and the approved design, by award winning architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, is split across five blocks accessed by two cores, with floorplates planned to allow greater natural light and ventilation to residents. All apartments will have either a balcony or terrace and a high-quality landscaping scheme will see subtropical and drought tolerant planting carefully chosen to reflect Falmouth’s climate and landscape character.
The design does not mimic the surrounding buildings but instead draws from the local architectural styles and themes across the wider Falmouth Conservation Area reflected in a more contemporary approach with a simple material palette with articulation and shadow created by the butterfly effect floorplates. This approach is endorsed by the Cornwall Design Review Panel who describe it as an innovative development which will invigorate its setting, whilst at the same time making good and efficient use of previously development land.
Cornwall’s Planning Committee originally refused application, against the recommendation of its planning officers, because they considered it would not preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. As such, a decision was made at Appeal.
Following a Hearing on the 18th October 2023, the Inspector issued his decision on 10th November 2023 where he agreed with the Appellant’s case that owing to high quality design and landscaping the development will preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The Inspector carefully considered other matters relating to daylight and sunlight and overlooking raised by third parties but determined that there would be no unreasonable impacts that would justify dismissing the appeal.
The Appellant’s team at the Hearing was:
- Paul Cairnes KC – No5 Chambers
- Tom Molyneux-Wright – DPP Planning
- Abigail Thomas – Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands
- Andrew Passmore – AC Archaeology
- Chris Harris – Delva Patman Redler
Speaking about the approval, Tom Molyneux-Wright, Principal Planner at DPP, said:
We are very pleased with this appeal decision. It is a result of the applicant’s hard work and collaboration with Cornwall Design Review Panel and planning officers. The development will not only enhance this part of the Conservation Area through high-quality design but will also provide 28 new homes within the urban setting on a brownfield site.
Images: MGDESIGNUK
