PLANS to build a housing estate on a derelict builder’s merchants in Newquay have been approved.

Cornwall Council has given the go ahead to demolish existing vacant buildings, including the former generator shed and boiler house buildings at the former Jewsons site at Mount Wise and construct 28 dwellings.

A number of residents supported the plans as it would provide a “much needed” residential scheme and would re-use an “eyesore” brownfield site, which has been vacant for nearly 20 years.

But Newquay Town Council and a number of neighbours, although welcoming the principle of developing the site, objected to the plans due to a lack of visiting parking being provided. Concerns were also raised the access route into the housing development would not be suitable.

The town council and residents were keen to see the former generator station preserved within the housing scheme due to its historical significance, but applicant did not include included the retention of the building as it would “adversely” impact the viability of the scheme.

The town council stated it would not be able to support the housing development without a “firm guarantee” that secures the future of the former generating station after discussions were held around the deconstruction the building and its relocation to another site.

Cornwall Council approved the housing scheme after weighing up the pros and cons of the plans after concluding any harm associated with the development did not substantially outweigh its benefits providing “much needed housing.”

The delegated officer’s report stated: “It is understood that the current landowner is hoping to relocate the former generating station and, while this building's re-location would be welcomed, no actual plan or details have been submitted to confirm this possible intention and the application itself is therefore being assessed in accordance with the details submitted, which includes the loss of this non-designated heritage Asset.

“This weighs against the proposal. While the loss of this non designated heritage asset is regretted this site has lain vacant for some time owing to a number of site constraints which significantly increase the cost of redevelopment.

“The applicant submitted information as part of this application which is considered to adequately demonstrate that the retention of the Generating Station would adversely impact the viability of the scheme to the point at which the proposed development could not proceed. Its loss is therefore considered to be justified.

“When considering the overall planning balance, the combined economic, social and environmental benefits of the proposal are considered to outweigh the harm associated with the loss of a commercial use on this site, the demolition of a non- designated heritage and the loss of trees.

“Significant and substantial weight is given to the benefits associated with providing much needed housing in a main town during a housing crisis which would help to promote the effective use of land and secure a well-designed place.

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“Any harm associated with the development does not substantially outweigh these benefits. As a result, this proposal is recommended for approval.”