Lee TrewhelaLocal Democracy Reporting Service
DMA ArchitectsA planning application has been submitted to demolish an empty seven-storey tower block and replace it with a slightly lower building.
Residents of the Fountain Court tower block, on St Clare Street, Penzance, were told by LiveWest housing association in October 2022 they had to move out of their sheltered housing accommodation to allow for the building to be knocked down.
Despite the concerns of some of the residents who did not want to be moved, the block was vacated and has remained empty with ground floor windows and the main entrance sealed.
The proposed building, which would be six storeys tall, would look to provide 21 new apartments, the application to Cornwall Council said.
If approved, the new building would provide 15 one-bedroom flats and six two-bed flats, plus be a 100% affordable housing scheme for the needs of the local community, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The new development would also provide 16 parking spaces in close proximity, as well as dedicated cycling and refuse storage facilities to the rear, the application added.
The planning statement said: “The proposed development is designed to replace the existing high-rise building, while also addressing concerns around scale, proportion and visual impact.
“Through the use of horizontal lines on the elevations the design gives the impression of a lower building. Additionally, elements on the façade split the elevation to reduce the overall mass.
“The new building is also designed to sit lower than the existing structure, with only one section reaching a height of six storeys, which is still lower than the existing building.
“This approach ensures that the new development is not overwhelming for the surrounding context.
“The proposal will not achieve the same level of accommodation as the existing building. This is due to the increase in spatial standards and the reduction in overall height.”
