Council accused of 'Putin-esque' application for extra care flats

HERE'S growing anger in West Cornwall at plans by Cornwall Council to replace a vital community hub with 72 extra care flats for people aged over 55.

- by LEE TREWHELA Local Democracy Reporter

Cornwall Council is proposing to build the apartments on the site of the John Daniel Centre in Penzance, which is owned by the council and is now a Safe and Well Hub.

Among the services currently using the building at Heamoor, just off the A30, is the celebrated Growing Links organisation which runs the Street Food Project. It provides hot meals every evening to people experiencing homelessness or living in food poverty in Penzance, one of the most deprived areas in the UK. A second building on the site is currently occupied by Nancealverne School.

There is also disquiet in the area after initial public consultation stated the care apartments would be 100% affordable, only for that to be later reduced to 30%. The town’s current mayor Stephen Reynolds has previously spoken out in no uncertain terms about the changes.

The council's outline application, which was recommended for approval by its own planning department, was brought to committee on Monday, April 28, by local member Andrew George, who is also the Liberal Democrat MP for the St Ives constituency. Members of the west area planning committee voted to defer the matter for more details.