A new development of flats and retail outlets has been given the final go-ahead on the former Esso garage site in Liskeard.

The original plans for the site, which included 13 flats and two shops, were withdrawn after objections from councillors and residents.

New plans were submitted by developers, Brook Street Properties, which were welcomed by the former Caradon District Council and now Cornwall Council has approved the application to build three shops and six residential properties.

There was a lengthy consultation process involving the developers, town council and Stuart House Trust along with planning and conservation.

Former Caradon district councillor for Liskeard South, Mike Critchley said: 'This is a positive step forward and good news all round.

'Now we can get rid of the eyesore that currently is the old garage on Barras Street.'

Stuart House, one of Liskeard's oldest buildings, stands next to the site. chairman of Stuart House Trust, Tony Piper, said: 'It's a great improvement on the previous scheme, the design seems to compliment all the surrounding buildings which is a good thing.

'We were all horrified at the first design, but the new plans are more sympathetic to the other properties surrounding it and don't obstruct the views of Stuart House in any way like the original plans.

'We were all pleasantly surprised by the design, which will not look out of place.

'The old plans would have meant a restricted view from the windows and the properties would have been a lot taller than other premises along the street.

'I still have concerns about the shop windows being right next to the pavement as that part of the street is very narrow and you can just about fit a pushchair or wheelchair through, so we will see what happens in terms of congestion once the shops are there.'

Brook Street Properties said in a statement that the process of designing the new plans has been extremely positive and they would like to thank all those involved in the process of agreeing to the new plans.

It's hoped that the project will start by the end of the summer and will take around 15 months to complete.