The East Sub-Area Planning Committee met to discuss planning application PA25/01969 regarding alterations to Polruan Stores and to note the appeals report. The committee unanimously approved the application for alterations to Polruan Stores, and they noted the appeals report.

PA25/01969: Polruan Stores, 14 Fore Street, Polruan, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1PQ

The committee unanimously approved application PA25/01969 for alterations to the dwelling above Polruan Stores, including re-roofing the rear flat roof and shop window/door with associated works, subject to conditions.

The initial recommendation from the planning officer was to refuse the application, primarily due to concerns over overlooking and loss of privacy for neighbouring properties, as detailed in the PA25/01969 - Polruan Stores FINAL report. However, Councillor Jim Candy, Electoral Division Member, argued that the minor increase in overlooking was outweighed by the need for the applicants to have extra outdoor space to ensure the long-term sustainability of the shop. Councillor Candy also noted proposed interior changes to create separation between the shop and private accommodation, and the applicants' agreement to exterior modifications.

Councillor Ainley of Lanteglos by Fowey Parish Council and Joanna Morris, applicant, spoke in support of the application.

The committee considered the importance of the shop to the community, the character of the area as a typical coastal Cornish village, and the potential future use of the dwelling. They concluded that the proposal would enhance the property and that the impact on neighbouring dwellings was not significant.

The committee approved the application subject to the following conditions:

1. The development must begin within three years.
2. The development must be carried out in accordance with the approved plans.
3. The kitchen window on the northern elevation must be obscurely glazed and non-opening (unless the opening parts are more than 1.7 metres above the floor).
4. The southern side of the access porch to the rear terrace on the second floor must be of solid construction with no glazing.

The reasons for approval, as stated by the proposer, Councillor Andrew Long, Deputy Group Leader - Mebyon Kernow Group, were that existing levels of mutual overlooking already existed between neighbours, and any minor additional overlooking would be outweighed by the benefits of the scheme in providing better separation between the shop and the dwelling, securing the shop's long-term future. Councillor Long stated that the development was supported by Policy 4 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010-2016 and Policy 7 of the Lanteglos Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Appeals Report

The committee noted the Appeals Report, which had been circulated for information. The report included a list of appeals lodged between 12 September 2025 and 14 October 2025, and appeals decided between those dates.