Hoaxer leaves planning application notices for Wetherspoon pub and 'gentlemen's club' in Hayle

They look exactly like the notices issued by Cornwall Council

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When do you need planning permission?

Residents in Hayle were left confused over the weekend after they found planning application notices for a new Wetherspoon pub and a gentlemen's club to be built in the town.

The documents looked exactly like the notices Cornwall Council displays at a site after a pre-application or planning application is submitted.

The first one was found at the former Lloyds Bank at Foundry Square. The fake notice alleged that Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin was hoping to convert the bank, which is right opposite the White Hart, into a pub.

It read: "Proposed development at: 3 Foundry Square Hayle Cornwall TR27 4HJ. I give notice that Timothy Randall Martin - CEO Wetherspoon - has/have applied to Cornwall Council for planning application for: Proposed commercial development of 1 bar/restaurant/public house outside seating and access".

It claimed the application reference was PA21/04280, however the application does not exist on Cornwall Council's planning portal, which lists all applications submitted to the local authority.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon confirmed: "This is a hoax planning application. Wetherspoon has no plans to open a pub in Hayle."

The fake notice sparked a lot of reactions locally.

On the Anything Hayle Facebook page, opinions were mixed.

Patrick Kirkham wrote: "I really don't think we need this in Hayle we have plenty of great pubs to drink and eat in."

(Image: Cornwall Live)

Amy James-Collins added: "I am all for eateries, I love my food! But I agree with you, will put many out of business I think?"

Lyn Oxb commented: "Just what we don’t need another pub restaurant, etc... maybe some banking corporation will take pity on Hayle and open a bank instead!"

But other were quite excited about it.

(Image: Cornwall Live)

Jon Stoneman wrote: "Nothing wrong with a bit of competition".

Steve Brown added: "Say what you will about Wetherspoon's, but they'll certainly make that building look better from the outside... but on the inside you'll also be able to weld your elbow to the sticky bar on a Saturday afternoon".

Robert Allen commented: "Yay, I will vote to support this."

But they quickly realised that the application was a hoax, after another surprising notice was found in town.

It was discovered at South Quay and claims that "John Gray has/have applied to Cornwall Council for planning application for: Proposed commercial development of 1 bar/restaurant/gentlemen's club, outside seating, access and parking".

CornwallLive has checked the planning portal and this application does not exist either.