An unusual residential property gained approval for further development at Calstock from the Caradon Planning Sub Committee (East) on January 6 when the planners accepted that an extension could be built to link a turfed mine building with existing domestic quarters.

The listed property was a mine drying house and the linkage with the dwelling house will be innovatively faced with turf thus appearing as part of the grassed bank at the rear of the buildings and thus minimising the effect on the listed status. Mr G.M.Smith the applicant had discussed his designs with Caradon Conservation Officer David Moore who had expressed his satisfaction with the scheme as making good use of redundant buildings while protecting the listed character.

The scheme had the support of the Calstock Parish Council but the Cornwall Wildlife Trust required a bat and owl survey to be undertaken. The incidence of mine workings also needed to be checked in the area but the meeting was happy to give delegated authority for approval to Planning Manager Keith Rolfe after these points have been satisfied.