PROPOSALS for the conversion of the former headquarters of North Cornwall District Council into 26 ‘affordable’ apartments is set to be decided by Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee.

Sanctuary Housing are seeking Cornwall Council’s planning permission for the proposals on land presently owned by Cornwall Council, with the plans also incorporating the construction of a 67 bedroom care home.

Until its abolition in 2009, the site at Higher Trenant Road on the outskirts of Wadebridge was the headquarters of North Cornwall District Council.

The plans will be decided by the strategic planning committee owing to the plans receiving objections being on council owned land – with a total of 22 public objections submitted.

However, it is being recommended for approval by Cornwall Council’s planning department.

In a document stating why the planning officer is recommending approval, they stated: “The proposal is submitted by Sanctuary Housing, a not-for-profit registered provider and part of the Sanctuary Group, which is an established national organisation with a proven track record in delivering and operating modern and high-quality care and supported housing.

“Sanctuary Housing intends to both deliver and manage the proposed care home and residential accommodation on a long-term basis, ensuring continuity, stability, and high standards of care provision.

“The scheme would make a positive contribution towards meeting a critical and growing need for specialist supported accommodation within Cornwall, aligning with the Council’s corporate objectives to support sustainable communities and address the challenges of an ageing population.

“It should be noted that to be commercially viable in the long term, the agent and Strategic Commissioning Lead Officer has confirmed that this care homes need to be 60-70 beds in size and that this 67 bed unit scheme is viable due to cross subsidy with their other 14 Cornwall based care homes.

“The proposed development delivers clear social and economic benefits through the creation of modern, purpose-built care accommodation and affordable housing in a sustainable location, consistent with the spatial strategy pursued by the development plan and the Council’s corporate objectives related to providing suitable housing and care provision.

“Sanctuary Housing’s direct involvement in both the delivery and long-term operation of the accommodation adds further assurance of professional management, continuity of care, and the maintenance of high quality standards over time. Your officer has given the benefits of securing housing delivery significant weight in recommending approval of the scheme.”

However, the affordable apartments will only be permitted for use by people over the age of 55 amid concerns about the availability of parking in the scheme.

There would be 47 spaces on the site, 21 for the apartments and 26 for the care home.

Cornwall Council stated thus: “A condition will require all affordable units (i.e. the 20 apartments) will be limited to providing accommodation to persons over the age of 55 years. The reason for this condition is because the level of parking has been in part justified by the defined user group being less likely to own a motor vehicle.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The decision on the plans will be made on Thursday, April 23.