Despite opposition to a previous application to develop the site of a disused former garage in Liskeard, new plans have been welcomed.

Brook Street Properties has applied to build six flats and retail units at the bottom of Barras Street, at the former Esso garage site.

Stuart House, one of the town's oldest buildings, stands next to the site and chairman of Stuart House Trust, Tony Piper said: 'It is a great improvement on the previous scheme.

'They have taken most of our concerns into account which is very good and the design seems to compliment all the surrounding buildings which is a good thing.

Congestion

'It will hopefully improve the visual aspect of the town from the western end.

'There is still potential for pavement congestion and traffic congestion but generally the plans are very good.'

The company withdrew a previous application in May 2007 for two retail units and 13 self-contained apartments, following opposition in the town.

Liskeard mayor Ann Purdon said: 'We saw the plans and it is an impressive design. they are far better than we have seen before.

'This is as good as it gets and it has to be right as it is the first set of buildings you see coming into the parade from the western end.'

Encouraging

Former Caradon district councillor for Liskeard South, Mike Critchley added: 'They are a lot better than the previous set that were submitted.

'It is encouraging that in the current economic climate the developer wants to to build new retail units in the town.

'The only negative is that putting retail units so close to a roundabout could make it difficult for deliveries.'

A consultation period is currently under way.