Two converted homes at Wheal Do Um Farm, Trewellard, Penzance

What was proposed

The application sought to convert the engine house and adjacent barns into two dwellings with parking, gardens and associated works.

“The wider Wheal Do Um site comprises a dwellinghouse which was a replacement dwelling under decision notice no. PA17/02865. In addition, there is the remains of an engine house to the south of the dwelling and to the west of this are two barns - one constructed from stone and one constructed at a later time with block walls. The current application concerns the engine house and two adjacent barns.”

“It is proposed to convert the existing engine house and adjacent barns to provide two dwellings (Barn 1 and Barn 2).”

Officer report

The site

The site included a former engine house, stone barn, later block barn, dwelling and nearby ruinous building outside the application boundary.

“There are the ruins of a former barn/building to the northeast of the engine house and to the southeast of the dwelling. No works are proposed to this ruinous structure as part of this current application, and it lies outside of the red line of the application site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the development would harm the World Heritage Site, conservation area and National Landscape, while its benefits were modest.

“Information Classification: PUBLIC 2. The World Heritage Site Office and Cornwall National Landscape Team both object to the proposed development.”

“It is considered that the proposed development would harm an attribute that expresses the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site due to a significant change in character from one of a mining relic to urban domestic.”

Officer report

Public views

The town council sought a more sensitive design with granite-facing extension walls, and no public representations had been received.

“St Just in Penwith Town Council (2 September 2025) St Just Town Council objects to this planning application as the plan needs to be reworked as per original planning officer comments with a more sensitive design and the extension walls should be granite facing.”

“No representations from members of the public have been received to date.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A town councillor spoke against the application, while Councillor Clemens addressed the engine house, wall colour and demand for one-bedroom homes.

Committee discussion

Members discussed the number of homes, possible enhancement, the engine house’s condition and the need to engage with World Heritage Site officers.

“Following the presentations Officers responded to Members’ questions regarding:-”

“The applicant had been advised to have a pre-application meeting with the World Heritage Site (WHS) officers, but this had not arranged. Had it been, a suitable solution might have been found; If the barns and engine house were just left as they were, they would simply deteriorate over time; As the engine house was no longer in its original form, some development would be permitted; and 4.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Ball proposed refusal, seconded by Councillor Thomas, and seven members voted for it, with no votes against and three abstentions.

“Arising from consideration of the report and debate it was moved by Councillor Ball, seconded by Councillor M Thomas, and on a vote of 7 votes in favour, 0 against and 3 abstentions, it was:-”

Minutes

The decision

The committee refused the application, adopting the reasons set out in the officer report and committee update.

“RESOLVED that Application No. PA25/05406 be refused.”

“The reasons given by the Proposer for wishing to refuse the application were as set out in the report and Committee update.”

Minutes