'Prison block' flat plans are rejected by council

RESIDENTS have won their fight to stop a 'prison' block of flats being built in one of Camborne's prime residential areas.

Members of Cornwall Council's area planning committee have unanimously voted to reject the development in Basset Road.

The application, which went before last week's meeting, was to demolish the existing property, which is boarded up after being vandalised, and build 12 apartments on the site. Town councillor Jean Charman, who was last year's mayor of Camborne, said her council considered the scheme inappropriate.

"Basset Road, a row of prestigious Edwardian and Victorian residences, is one of the few areas left that defines our heritage and history.

"The frontage of this proposed development may appear to blend in but the rear paints a very different picture.

"There you are faced with a large three storey building which looks more like a prison."

She added: "This development is undesirable, out of character, out of proportion and would set a precedent."

The house was the home and studio of the late Esme Norman, a well-known dance teacher.

After standing empty for a long time, squatters moved in and vandalised the property.

Alan Tutt for the applicants, Oakwood Homes, insisted they had taken residents' concerns into consideration.

"The building is now in a very dangerous state. The finished building will be a credit to Basset Road."

Cllr Anna Pascoe, who voted against, said: "This is one of the few areas of Camborne where we can hold our head high."

Cllr Malcolm Moyle said: "This is a wonderful area of Camborne. What we are being asked to put in its place is quite appalling."