PLANS to renovate an historic former chapel in Liskeard and turn it into flats have been scaled back to allow more living space within the property.

The Henry Rice-designed property on Barn Street was long the home of the Liskeard Silver Band.

Water had got into the building and it had suffered from years of disrepair.

In 2019, Chandler Homes sought permission to redevelop the interior of the property to create seven flats. Liskeard Town Council objected to the specifics of the plan, saying there were concerns over access to the property, that the layout was cramped and that it appeared very close to the nearest neighbour to the rear. This scheme was later withdrawn.

Now the developer has put in a new plan for just four studio apartments within the refurbished building.

The Design and Access statement reads: “The scheme has been drastically reduced to include the partial demolition of the rear section of the building, to create more separation to the rear of the building from the external wall to the rear boundary, therefore minimising the possible overlooking to the neighbouring garden to the rear.

“Internally the scheme has been reduced from seven units down to four studio apartments.”

The character and external appearance of the building will be retained, says Chandler Homes: no exterior alterations are planned at the front, save for making the existing arched doorway into a feature window and creating a new access to the side.

To see the plans visit Cornwall Council’s planning portal and use reference PA20/06535.