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.
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