HOW a newly restored Tricorn House would add to the canal regeneration project dominated much of the talk on day two of a public inquiry into its compulsory purchase at Ebley Mill today, Wednesday.

The CPO was made by Stroud District Council in December last year in order to obtain the derelict Cainscross building for green energy firm Ecotricity, who want to renovate it into their new carbon-neutral HQ. Harriet Townsend, counsel for Stroud District Council, began by telling inspector Paul Clark how SDC’s multi-million pound canal project would be enhanced by a thriving Tricorn House, which sits just 80 meters from the historic waterway. Next the inquiry heard from Peter Gilbert, planning strategy manager for SDC, who supported this view.

"Tricorn House is widely recognised as not the prettiest building, in fact its appearance is detrimental to the area," he said.

"Its improvement would undoubtedly been beneficial to the growth and enhancement of Stroud."

Mr Clark then referred to a written statement by Cainscross Parish Council which questioned whether Tricorn House would be better suited as a multi-use premises, including retail and residential units, seeing as how so many business ventures had failed there in the past.

But Mr Gilbert insisted the current proposals were completely unique and said he had every faith in Ecotricity’s long-term commitment to the site.

He also defended suggestions it should be converted for residential use – claiming that the council has more than satisfied the new home requirements set out in the regional spatial strategy.

Mr Gilbert then justified how accessible the site was by highlighting the frequent busses that serve the area, and the nearby cycle route and walk path that is planned as part of the canal project.

Also called to speak was John Longmuir, development control manager for SDC, who praised the innovative design ideas put forward by architects David Austin and Associates.

He also said that because no change of use was required, and the building had already been screened in terms of its environmental impact, the proposals would be seen favourably by planning officers.

Tricorn’s owner John Wellfair then asked why other buildings near the canal were not being considered for compulsory purchase - to which Mr Longmuir answered: "To call Tricorn House scruffy is being too polite.

"It is the only downtrodden building in the area that is so prominent and out of context with its surroundings."

The inquiry continues.