PLANS to convert a historic former town centre pub have once more gone before Cornwall Council.

The Fountain Hotel in Liskeard has stood empty for around eight years. Owner Russell Peake hopes to make alterations and create three flats within the building.

The property is believed to date to the mid 19th Century and is Grade II Listed.

An earlier scheme submitted to the local authority was withdrawn at the beginning of this year, to give time for the applicant to consider advice from Historic England.

The current planning application is for the ‘rectification of earlier unauthorised works’, for the demolition of part of a modern extension to the property, and for the creation of three residential apartments.

The unauthorised works refers to work carried out in 2016 to deal with an outbreak of dry rot, says agent Scott and Company.

At that time, significant parts of the historic fabric of the building were unwittingly removed, and a reconstruction was started, but halted by Cornwall Council.

In a statement given to the local authority, the agent says: ‘A highly detailed archaeological heritage impact assessment has been provided, which investigates the history of the building and the impact of the dry rot removal works.

‘The assessment concludes that the impact of the demolition work is largely insignificant, due to extensive 20th century adaptions of the building having largely obscured any significant historic character.

The proposal to convert the former pub has been carefully considered, says Scott and Company, ‘with a view to retaining any surviving historic fabric and character as far as possible, but providing a viable economic future use for the building.’

The building lends itself well to flats, says the applicant, as it was at one time used for apartments and accommodation associated with the public house.

The front of the property will remain unchanged, and new elements to the rear will match the original fabric wherever possible.

Original glass will be salvaged and used if possible within the refurbishment.

To find out more visit Cornwall Council’s online planning register and use the reference PA18/05369.