The East Sub-Area Planning Committee of Cornwall Council was scheduled to discuss three planning applications, an appeals report, and any urgent business. The applications included proposed extensions to fire stations in Bude and Looe, and a proposal for new dwellings in Lower Metherell.

Applications for Consideration

Fire Station Extension in Bude

A proposal was scheduled for discussion regarding an extension to the Bude Community Fire Station on The Wharf, Bude. The extension would provide additional shower, WC, and changing room facilities. The report pack indicated that the need for these facilities arose from an improvement notice issued by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, highlighting deficiencies in the existing welfare provision. The report noted that while the extension would cause less than substantial harm to the setting of the Grade II listed Bark House, this harm was considered to be outweighed by the public benefits of improved welfare and decontamination facilities for emergency service personnel. The report recommended approval with conditions, including securing a flood warning and evacuation plan.

Permission in Principle for Dwellings in Lower Metherell

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for Permission in Principle for the construction of between three and six dwellings on land North West of Trehorner Close, Lower Metherell. The application sought to establish the principle of development, with technical details to be assessed at a later stage. The report pack highlighted a conflict with Policy HP1 of the Calstock Neighbourhood Development Plan, which designates the site as being outside the settlement boundary. However, due to Cornwall Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, housing supply policies were considered out of date, engaging the presumption in favour of sustainable development. The report suggested that the proposal would make a modest but positive contribution to housing supply and align with Cornwall's Housing Crisis Plan. The recommendation was to approve the application.

Fire Station Extension in Looe

A proposal for a single-storey extension to the Looe Fire Station on Church Street, West Looe, was scheduled for discussion. The extension would provide additional shower, WC, and changing room facilities, as well as an extension to the appliance bay. Similar to the Bude application, the need for these facilities was linked to an improvement notice. The report pack identified concerns regarding the impact on the Looe Conservation Area and the setting of several Grade II listed buildings, including Verbena and Rose Cottage. It was noted that the proposed extension would cause less than substantial harm to the setting of these listed buildings, but this was considered to be outweighed by the public benefits of improved facilities for emergency service personnel. The recommendation was to approve the application with conditions, including flood resistance and resilience measures, and a flood warning and evacuation plan.

Appeals Report

An update on appeals was scheduled to be presented to the committee. This report would detail appeals lodged and appeals decided between 27 March 2026 and 23 April 2026, as well as any public inquiries or informal hearings scheduled to take place before 11 May 2026.