PLANS to refurbish run-down properties in Cornhill, Wellington, and build 42 homes behind on waste land have suffered a new setback.

Developers were set to move in shortly to demolish some buildings and begin smartening up the entire area.

But the WWN has learned that there are ‘still issues’ to sort out because it is a ‘complicated site’.

Freemantle Capital Partners (Wellington) was given planning permission in early February to demolish and replace buildings at the back of Cornhill providing it agreed to protect the ‘privacy and security’ of Wellington Silver Band which practises on the site.

The land lies behind The Iron Duke public house and a number of buildings have been vacant for years.

Taunton Deane Borough Council gave the developers permission, despite concerns about car parking and the provision of affordable housing.

Mark Cullen, speaking on behalf of the developer, earlier this year defended the lack of affordable housing within the site, stating that the developer was looking to secure central government funding to deliver low-cost housing there.

He said: “Cornhill Terrace is in a very poor state of repair, and the proposals will enable a sympathetic restoration and rebuilding of significant heritage assets. It will make a significant contribution to the conservation area.”

Reaction to the scheme has been mixed but Cornhill has been an eyesore for many years – although it was once described as a ‘jewel in the crown’.

Some councillors in Wellington have argued that if the present scheme had been turned down it would be years before another was in place.

It is understood that no new date has been set for the project to go ahead.

Cornhill is one of the oldest streets in Wellington.