Seal of approval at last for Co-op building bid

THE go-ahead has finally been given in the long-running battle over redevelopment of the Co-op building in Truro.

A radically-altered proposal to revamp the three-storey building in Boscawen Street has been approved.

After being knocked back several times by Carrick District Council, including a meeting of the full council, owners the Medical Research Council Pensions Trust (MRCPT) came up with a new planning application addressing previous concerns.

The last refusal came after concerns about the visual impact of the redevelopment into three shops and nine flats, particularly two accommodation structures on the roof which were likened to caravans.

English Heritage also expressed objections to the St Mary's Street frontage of the site of the former Red Lion Hotel, which was replaced in the 1960s after being hit by a lorry.

English Heritage has given cautious approval to the new design, but objections remained from Truro Civic Society and Truro Conservation Area Advisory Committee.

Neil Reid, of Stride Treglown, agents for the owners, said: "Following the refusal, the first thing we did was get English Heritage to come down to Truro as they had never been to look at the site or in consultation over the original scheme.

"They came down, met with planning officer and the result is this amended scheme.

"We have reduced the height and scale and addressed a lot of concerns."

Cllr Mike Cox said: "I wasn't too unhappy with the original one, but certainly these plans are a lot better.

"I think it's about time we got on with this because we need this site demolished and rebuilt pretty quickly."

Cllr Maurice Vella added: "I'm delighted with this scheme.

"I had very strong objections to the last one and have some reservations but overall am in favour."

The permission and conservation area consent were approved by a vote of 10 to three.