Historic 18th century manor faces demolition for new houses in Looe

The dilapidated 18th century Polvellan Manor in Looe
-Credit: (Image: JLA Consulting Engineers)


Plans are under way to demolish an 18th-century manor house in a state of disrepair and replace it with five new homes.

Polvellan Manor, located at The Millpool in West Looe, was originally built in the 1780s on a level terrace overlooking the town's Millpool car park.

The property, which has served various purposes since the early 1900s, including a maternity hospital during World War II, a hotel, a school, and most recently a care home until 1995, now lies abandoned and derelict.

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A previous attempt to redevelop the site in 2021, which involved converting the building into six apartments and constructing 19 new ones within the extended grounds, was withdrawn.

Polvellan Manor overlooks the Millpool car park in Looe
Polvellan Manor overlooks the Millpool car park in Looe -Credit:JLA Consulting Engineers

Recently, pre-application advice was sought for the substantial demolition of the existing manor house, retaining only the front and side facade, and rebuilding it into apartments. The proposal also includes the construction of approximately 17 houses within the extended grounds of the property.

In October 2023, advice was given that there was local policy support for a sensitive redevelopment of the site. However, it was concluded that proposed dwellings within the extended grounds would not be supported due to the impact on trees and the wooded character of the site.

For more information see PA24/01046/PREAPP.