A CONTENTIOUS bid to save one of St Mawes best-known buildings has been approved despite a planning disagreement on whether alterations would impact the ‘outlook’ from a neighbouring property.

Originally constructed in the late 18th or early 19th century as a pilchard warehouse, the historic Pomery’s garage building renowned for its vintage petrol pumps, 1930s windows and gig storage. It was previously the home of artist/musician Brenda Pye, who bequeathed the freehold of the site to the Roseland Rowing and Gig Club.

There have been several unsuccessful attempts over the years to save the building, which is now unfit for purpose. A proposal to rebuild the site with gig club accommodation on the ground floor and residential accommodation on upper floors was refused in 2023, and dismissed on appeal last year.

A new, smaller plan came before a Cornwall Council planning committee on Monday (November 17), to replace a dilapidated two-storey extension with a slightly higher building as part of plans to accommodate the gig club alongside a residential unit.

The council’s planning department recommended refusal due to the loss of ‘outlook’ at neighbouring 8 Bohella Road.

Cllr Andy Fordham, of St Just-in-Roseland Parish Council - which supports the planning application - told the committee the new plan avoided the mistakes of the previous unrelated application where the increased mass and bulk of the building was overbearing on adjacent properties.

He added there was no doubt the outlook of 8 Bohenna Road had been diminished, but the parish council felt that it was of insufficient severity to merit refusal, citing the “significant community benefit” of retaining the gig club.

Andrew Parsons, on behalf of applicant Mr B Chenoweth, a builder and former gig rower, said gig club finances had made it difficult to keep up with the maintenance of the building. Mr Chenoweth purchased the property with the intention of restoring the derelict first floor flat and leasing the ground floor back to the gig club, honouring Mrs Pye’s wishes.

Committee chair Cllr Dulcie Tudor described the debate as a “classic” tale of “neighbour impact versus community benefit”, adding: “The community have waited a long time for something to be done with this building, whereas the neighbour believes it’s going to have an unacceptable impact on their life with the loss of outlook.”

Cllr Julian German considered the design in keeping with the Conservation Area and recommended approval. “In over 20 years of being a councillor and looking at planning applications, I’ve never come across ‘outlook’,” he said. “In our training, we’re very much told that an individual’s view isn’t a material planning consideration.”

A planning officer pointed out that “view is an aesthetic; outlook is how you enjoy your home – that’s the difference”.

A vote to refuse was lost by three in favour, with five against and two abstentions. Cllr Joanna Kenny proposed approval on the grounds that the community benefits of the gig club outweighed the limited loss of outlook by the neighbouring property. That vote was won by eight in favour and two against.