CORNWALL Council is set to make a decision on proposals for the extension of North Cornwall fire station.

It is seeking approval for proposals for the extension of the fire station at Bude to provide showers, better toilet facilities and new changing rooms.

However, due to some of the objections raised in the applications, combined with it being recommended for approval on Cornwall Council’s own land, the final decision is set to be made by the East Area planning committee of Cornwall Council next Monday (May 12).

In Bude, the objections to the proposal stated: “Objections to the proposed development have been received.

“The key points have been summarised below: The extension will spoil the look of the Wharf buildings. Concerns regarding the impact on Grade II Listed building The Bark House and the narrowing of the gap between buildings. The extension will result in the loss of storage space and working areas for fisherman and boat owners.

“The new extension should be a first-floor extension to avoid the loss of storage space/working areas. A new Fire Station should be constructed in a position that is in a more suitable location. The Fire staff responding to incidents do not have allocated spaces to park their cars and have received parking fines.”

However in documents produced by the council for the planning committee to consider, it noted: “The main area of concern relates to the impact of the extension on the historic environment, including the character and appearance of the Bude Conservation Area and the setting of the Grade II listed Bark House.

“The proposed extension is modest in scale, single storey, and designed to be subservient and recessive in form. Its reduced height, material treatment, and careful siting within the existing gap between buildings ensure that it reads as a clear addition to the Fire Station rather than competing with adjacent heritage assets.

While the proposal will result in a degree of harm to the setting of the Bark House due to the reduced separation between buildings, this harm has been identified as less than substantial. In accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, this harm must be weighed against the public benefits of the scheme.

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

“Significant weight is afforded to the public benefit arising from the provision of improved welfare, equality, health and safety, and decontamination facilities for emergency service personnel, which are necessary to ensure the continued effective operation of the Fire Station. On balance, it is considered that these public benefits outweigh the identified less than substantial harm.”