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Penwith planners are being recommended to grant approval for the demolition
of a small two-storey extension at the Grade II Listed Newlyn Art Gallery,
and the construction of a replacement extension with a glazed link to
the main building.
In a report to next week's planning committee, head of planning, Mr Roger
Harnett said the proposed gallery extension was designed to provide a
link detached pavilion to the original building.
"Like the original gallery the proposed top floor of the two storey
extension benefits from a lantern roof and a large exhibition/education
room providing 42.8m sq of open space offering panoramic views of Mount's
Bay," said Mr Harnett.
"The ground floor of the extension would provide access lift, service
stairs, shop entrance, hall, reception, a cafe and information area.
"A basement area containing utility store, dark room and storage
area is also proposed. The extension will increase the footprint of the
existing gallery from 175 metres square to 255 metres square and whilst
modern in detail, the new pavilion employs natural indigenous materials
to match the original building."
The committee will be told that there have been six letters of objection
mainly concerning the shortage of parking in the vicinity.
Mr Harnett said that the county highway authority had recommended that
any permission should include a condition that will ensure that a detailed
traffic signing scheme should be submitted for approval before the development
was brought into use. The scheme would be required to direct visiting
vehicles to adequate parking facilities off the surrounding highway network.
It was also felt that a Green Travel Plan to encourage cycling and bus
tours for visitors to the gallery would help overcome parking difficulties.
"The Newlyn gallery has an international reputation for excellence
in its exhibitions showing a wide range of works of art that are seldom
shown in other Cornish galleries," said Mr Harnett.
"The Newlyn gallery is a specialist gallery that forms an important
part of Cornwall's art and culture.
"The proposed extension to the gallery will improve the quality
of the available gallery space on the site, creating opportunities for
a wider range of exhibitions, education and research facilities.
"The development is, therefore, going to add quality to the gallery,
but is of a scale that will not change the character of the site or result
in a significant increase in the numbers of visitors to the site.
"Although concern has been expressed about the current and future
car parking difficulties associated with a lack of on site parking and
parking in the locality, the situation can be improved by the promotion
of alternative means of transport and bus use for combined gallery visits.
"A Green Travel Plan is therefore recommended in addition to the
county highways requirements for signage to direct visitors to car park
sites.
"Subject to these provisions, it is considered that the gallery
extension is a valuable addition to a site of international recognition
of art excellence and culture and one which will enhance the character
and vitality of the locality," he said.
article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN
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