PERMISSION has been granted for the removal of the existing hut and surfboard storage hut from the terrace at Bude Sea Pool and replacement with a larger timber framed building, writes Ryan Cox.

The application to Cornwall Council was already granted planning permission in March last year, but because the Friends of Bude Sea Pool (FoBSP) made amendments to the approved design, they had to submit it as a new application.

The building is to be an improved base for the FoBSP and to offer other facilities to the public, including shelter, storage and changing. It will only be in operation during the summer months.

The storage hut will also be used to store surfboards and body boards for Adventure International, which currently stores its equipment on site in a separate structure.

In a letter to Cornwall Council, the FoBSP explained the reason behind the change in design: “The change in design was brought about through consultation with our volunteers who, on a daily basis throughout the winter, when no staff are on duty, clean the surrounds of the pool, remove the stones etc.

“Instead of the store being inside the main room — which would mean they would have to gain access to that room — it made sense for the store to have a separate entrance.

“It also made sense that the store be the area next to the steps because that is where the volunteers would approach from. Next to the store is the base for the pool staff and then the community area, which school groups etc, can use, plus two changing rooms.”

In essence, the change has involved the alteration of where doors and windows are positioned. The application was eventually passed.

After being granted planning permission for their original application, once the FoBSP made the changes to the windows and doors, it was rejected. Seeking advice from Cornwall Council, the FoBSP rang the office and were told the best way forward was to submit a pre-application — only to be told later that this was the wrong advice and they should apply for full planning permission.

It has taken just over a year to get to this point, with much consultation between Cornwall Council and the FoBSP, but, barring any more alterations, the sea pool will have a new timber framed building in place in the not too distant future.