The West Sub-Area Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Monday 02 March 2026 to consider two planning applications. The committee granted delegated approval for a development in St Ives, subject to conditions and the application not being called in by the Secretary of State. For a proposed local needs dwelling in Coverack, the committee resolved to grant delegated powers to approve the application, subject to conditions, the completion of an affordability questionnaire, and an extension of time to agree a Section 106 agreement.

Planning Application PA25/07750: Land South of Chy An Porth, The Terrace, St Ives

The committee granted delegated approval for the construction of 12 self-contained units with associated parking and works at Land South of Chy An Porth, The Terrace, St Ives. This application sought to vary a condition of a previous planning decision from 2009, as amended by a non-material amendment in 2025.

Councillor Luke Rogers, the Electoral Division Member, expressed concerns regarding the Section 73 proposed amendments, highlighting the international literary significance of Talland House and its intrinsic link to Virginia Woolf and her novel To The Lighthouse. He argued that the view from Talland House was part of the setting of a listed building and that the revised scheme's alterations to massing, articulation, and perceived bulk could lead to visual interruption. He also noted that the St Ives Area Neighbourhood Plan policies CH1, GD1, and OS9 required special regard to the preservation of listed buildings, their setting, and important vistas. St Ives Town Council shared these concerns, suggesting a new application or partial revocation of the existing permission.

Officers, however, disagreed with Councillor Rogers and St Ives Town Council, advising that the proposed changes were not substantially different from the existing permission, which already allowed for development on the site. They noted that the revised application had less glazing to the rear, reducing the impact on neighbouring properties, and that the heritage impacts had been fully considered. The committee was advised that the decision taken in 2009 could not be revisited and that the 2009 application remained the fallback position as a subsequent 2015 application had not been commenced.

Following a debate, the committee voted 10 in favour, with 1 against and 0 abstentions, to grant delegated approval subject to conditions and the application not being called in by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Planning Application PA25/06700: Land West of Chy Gweal, Arrowan Common, Coverack, Helston

The committee resolved to grant delegated powers to approve the application for a single-storey 2-bed local needs self-build dwelling with access, parking, and temporary siting of a caravan during construction at Land West of Chy Gweal, Arrowan Common, Coverack, Helston. This decision was subject to conditions, the completion of an affordability eligibility questionnaire, and an agreement for an extension of time to allow for the applicant to enter into a Section 106 agreement to secure the dwelling as an affordable dwelling in perpetuity.

Councillor Rory Gow, the Electoral Division Member, explained that the application was brought before the committee due to revisions in national planning policy, which had reinstated mandatory housing targets. He highlighted Cornwall Council's interim policy position statement from March 2025, which increased the annual housing requirement. Councillor Gow argued that this development could help Cornwall meet its legal obligations while strengthening rural communities, noting that the proposal was modest, had a low impact, and was for a local couple with strong connections to the area. He emphasised the impact of the housing crisis on young people in Cornwall.

Officers recommended refusal, citing that the site was outside the defined settlement and in open countryside, and therefore did not meet the locational requirements of Policy 9 (Rural Exception Site) of the Cornwall Local Plan, which expects such sites to be immediately adjacent to the built-up area. They concluded that the dwelling would appear as an isolated feature, causing harm to the character and appearance of the open countryside, which is part of the Cornwall National Landscape. While acknowledging the benefit of providing an affordable home, officers felt this did not outweigh the identified harm.

During the debate, members agreed with officers regarding Policy 9 but also referenced Sections 82, 83, and 96 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2024, which stress the importance of supporting applications that contribute to sustainable development.

The application was approved with a vote of 9 in favour, 0 against, and 1 abstention, with the conditions including the installation of bat and bird boxes, the removal of the caravan within three months of occupation, and restrictions on permitted development rights.

List of Planning Appeal Decisions Received, of Appeals Lodged and Dates of Public Inquiries

The committee noted the list of planning appeal decisions received, appeals lodged, and dates of public inquiries.