A £750,000 scheme to develop Coverack’s Lambeage Hall for future generations has the support of the parish council.

The hall, which has stood for almost 90 years, has been placed in trust on behalf of the village but needs extensive renovation to ensure it remains for another century. Current estimations bring the project’s cost in at £750,000, although it cannot go out to tender until planning permission has been given.

Plans were put before St Keverne Parish Council last Thursday, in the hope that members would give their backing to the development.

Speaking on behalf of the hall committee, Terry Thompson told councillors: “The hall is now in pretty poor structural condition.”

He said that three years ago a questionnaire was sent to householders, with 60 per cent of people responding. Of these, 85 per cent were in favour of rebuilding the hall.

After “considerable effort” the West Cornwall Local Action Group agreed to fund 80 per cent of the cost of the plan, which is estimated to be £15,000.

Around 30 residents are giving money on a regular basis, which is hoped will cover the remaining 20 per cent.

As a result of four open public meetings, the plans had now been drawn up by Falmouth-based RTP Surveyors, which won the contract, added Mr Thompson.

“The design has incorporated the advice from planners,” he said.

The proposed building was slightly taller and longer than the existing hall. However, it generally covered the same “footprint”, apart from the entrance being slightly closer to the parking area.

“Clearly we will have to raise a lot of money,” said Mr Thompson.

Councillors’ main concern was the parking issue, as there were only plans for limited spaces.

Mr Thompson said the committee had looked at moving the building to somewhere else on the site, to create more parking, but this had been “very difficult” to the unevenness of the ground.

Cornwall Council’s planners had advised making what parking spaces there were disabled use only.

Debating the application, councillor David Lambrick said: “Coverack is an horrendous place for parking in the summer especially. To build a building that is hopefully going to attract more people to it, then I find it very difficult with no extra parking.”

However, councillor Anthony Richards said the building was already used “extensively” and he did not see it as a problem.

Members unanimously agreed to support the application, which will now go before Cornwall Council.