Plans to convert a defunct Lidl store into a "living complex for over-60s" have sparked debate among locals near the site proposed for redevelopment. Churchill Living is in the process of drafting a planning application for a fresh independent later living community in Penzance and is soliciting input from area residents.
The feedback has been mixed, with some community members raising concerns about the "overwhelming height" of the planned residential blocks as well as potential impacts on flooding risks and street traffic safety. A vocal opponent of the initiative has flagged it as posing "significant threats to our community".
This proposal aims to transform the long-unused former Lidl location on Western Promenade Road in Wherrytown, with an eye to revitalising the space by introducing what the developer says would be 55 apartments and six cottages.
According to Churchill Living, these units will be marketed to individuals over 60 years of age who wish to preserve their autonomy while aging, all within a secure environment that also offers communal engagement and supports an active social life as part of a later living neighbourhood.
Churchill Living has outlined the perks of owning an apartment with them, including a lodge manager, 24-hour Careline system, communal owners' lounge, and guest suite for visitors, all set within landscaped grounds.
A spokesperson for the company said: "As we prepare to submit a formal planning application, we are keen to gather feedback and give local people the opportunity to have their say on our plans to regenerate this long-term vacant site near the heart of Penzance. Delivering new homes in this brownfield, seafront location will help to reduce the need for greenfield development to meet the urgent demand for new homes locally.
"By giving older people in and around Penzance the option to downsize, it will also help release many larger, second-hand properties back onto the market for local families to move into, also creating opportunities for local first time buyers to get onto the ladder."
However, Julian Sincock, representing concerned locals, said the proposal was "causing a high degree of emotion amongst the immediate residents". He criticised the project, saying: "The proposed development is an overbearing development in an historic residential coastal location," and added, "The four-storey height is totally unreasonable; the overwhelming height would dominate the entire landscape/seascape in all directions.
"By virtue of the proximity, size and scale of this proposed development, residential properties would be considered less desirable The proposed site is on a high-risk Zone 3 flood plain and has been deemed inappropriate for any residential development."
Mr Sincock expressed concerns the car parking provision would be insufficient, failing to accommodate carers, visitors and other services, and he questioned the absence of height perspective and scale in the pre-planning documents.
"The view of many is that the Lidl site needs a creative development that would regenerate Penzance, appealing to the broader local community and attracting more tourists to the town," he added.
"There is already a retirement lodge within the ward, The Mounts Bay Lodge. This is in a well sited position very close to the town and all the essential services."
The site in question, formerly occupied by the original Lidl store in Penzance, has been vacant since 2017 when Lidl relocated to a newer, larger premise along the same road, which is still operational. Planning details for the proposed development are pending submission to Cornwall Council.
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