Permission for Helston accountant to change office back to residential use

The owner of Helston's Bumble Bee Accountancy has been granted permission to turn an office back into a house.

As reported in early January, the plans see a change of use from a ground floor shop into a three-bedroom home. Converting an outhouse at the back into a home office to continue his accountancy work.

Number 57 Wendron Street was purchased in 2019 by Mr B. Thomas who lives within the property.

The ground floor is currently used as an office for 'Bumble Bee Accountancy' by the owner, Mr Thomas.

It is proposed to convert the building back to its original residential usage to form a home that Mr Thomas can live in.

At ground level, the front room will form an open-plan lounge and dining room whilst the kitchen will be reconfigured to the rear and will include a breakfast bar. A downstairs toilet will be formed under the existing stairs.

At the first floor level, no alterations will be made to the structure and there will be three good-sized bedrooms and a bathroom.

To the rear, it is proposed to renovate the existing outbuildings to form a home office/studio with a shower room.

The large shop window, signage, and associated fittings will be removed but the opening for the shop window will be retained.

The modern shop window will be re-designed in a traditional style so that the history and development of the property over the years is evident and can be clearly read.

This week, conditional approval was given for the plans, Cornwall Council's officer report reads:

"The proposal relates to an existing building which is currently used for retail purposes.

"The removal of the retail signage from the principal elevation is considered to enhance the character of the dwelling, visual amenities/landscape character and street scene of the Helston Conservation Area.

"The proposed design and finishes of lime repointing, slate roof, and timber windows are materials considered appropriate for a traditional granite building located within the Conservation Area and will be in-keeping with neighbouring properties.

"The converted outbuildings are not considered to give rise to any adverse landscape impacts due to their location at the rear of the property and will not be visible from public vantage points within the Conservation Area.

"Overall, the proposed development by virtue of its form, design and finishes will preserve the character of the dwelling and the visual amenities/landscape character of the surrounding area."