CAMELFORD town councillors have objected to plans for change of use to a unit on Highfield Road Industrial Estate.

At the meeting on Tuesday, October 15, councillors were presented with the application, PA19/03239, for Unit 2 on Highfield Road Industrial Estate for applicant Mr R Cathrae and agent Pure Town Planning, proposing to change the use of the existing building to a convenience store with associated enabling works, access and parking. It is thought this application is to relocate the town’s existing Co-op store, with the unit owner seeking change of use permission to be able to lease the site to the store.

According to the planning statement, available to view on the Cornwall Council planning portal, the proposed site is currently used as a scaffolding yard, storing wooden planks and scaffolding poles with an area for loading and unloading.

The existing site is accessed through the industrial estate or via a recently constructed vehicle access road off the A39.

The town’s existing Co-op store, located at 1 High Street, is small with ‘limited scope for extension and therefore it lacks a wide product range’. There is also very limited parking provision to the rear of the store which is near to a busy junction.

The plans include the change of use of the unit on the industrial estate to a convenience store, which will be occupied by the Co-op, who will relocate from their existing store to the new premises. The planning statement suggests that the new store will have ‘an emphasis on fresh food and it will stock a wide range of fruit and veg, award winning fresh food and British meat and poultry. There would also be an in-store bakery that would serve fresh bread and cakes’.

The store is also thought to generate 22 permanent employment positions.

The development will provide access and parking for vehicles, delivery lorries, cyclists and pedestrians. Eighteen off-street parking spaces and bike stands will be provided for staff, customers and residents. There is also a plan for a pedestrian crossing.

Mayor, Cllr Claire Hewlett, said: “So this is change of use to a convenience store.”

Cllr Andy Shaw was first to comment. He voiced his concerns to the proposed pedestrian crossing, and said: “There is no turnout lane to turn right — that is one issue I have got. I don’t believe there is enough car parking space. There is lack of parking and a lack of pedestrian amenities.”

Cllr Shaw continued: “They’re [the Co-op] trying to encourage staff to walk or cycle [to work], and they’re trying to encourage pedestrians to walk and I can’t see anyone wanting to walk from the Clease then trug back a load of shopping.

“I can’t support this in its present form.”

Cllr Alan Burgis thought the relocation of the store from its current location would be a concern for Camelford’s older residents, who may find it easier to walk from their homes to the central location of the current site.

He said: “I know we’re only supposed to object on planning, but many of the customers of the Co-op are of retirement age. They will be alienating the people who have supported them all of these years.”

A spokesperson from the Co-op said: “It is the owner of the industrial site who is seeking planning consent, and if approved, the Co-op would lease the site.

“A large, purpose-built store by the A39 in Camelford would enable Co-op to better serve the community. It would have customer car parking, and a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas, award winning wines and essentials. It would support local jobs, and provide a funding boost through the Co-op’s membership scheme — where members receive a 5% reward on purchase of own-brand products, and Co-op donates a further 1% to local causes. The Co-op also gives a 10% discount to students holding the TOTUM card (the new name for NUS extra) to support them during their studies.

“The store would also run on 100% renewable energy.”

Cllr Shaw proposed to object to the application, the vote was carried.

The final decision is expected to be made by Cornwall Council.