Historic Torpoint lantern saved after public backlash forces council U-turn
Residents in Torpoint are celebrating after Cornwall Council withdrew a controversial plan to replace one of the town’s historic landmarks with a modern LED alternative.
The proposal to remove the cherished three-light lantern from Elliot Square sparked fierce opposition from locals, who described the move as “outrageous” and “sacrilegious”. One resident summed up public feeling by saying: “You can’t replace history with a bit of tat from B&Q.”
The lantern, gifted to the town by the prominent Carew Pole family, holds deep historical significance in Torpoint. It was donated as a thanksgiving memorial following Sir Reginald Pole Carew’s return from the Boer War and has stood as a symbol of remembrance for generations.
Originally located in Sparrow Park, the lantern was later moved to Elliot Square when the Ellis Memorial was erected in 1898 and Antony Road was widened.
Public anger quickly gathered momentum after details of the proposal emerged. A petition opposing the changes was made available at the Torpoint Archives & Heritage Centre inside the town library, while Torpoint Town Council lodged a strong objection to the application.
In total, Cornwall Council received 32 comments through its planning portal — every one of them objecting to the plans.
The application was officially withdrawn on May 5 following mounting pressure from the community and intervention from local Cornwall councillor Rob Parsonage.
Cllr Parsonage welcomed the decision, praising residents for making their voices heard.
“The people of Torpoint spoke and rightly so,” he said. “Following a couple of phone calls and a suggested way forward being put to Cornwall Council, the planning application has now been withdrawn. I would like to thank Cornwall Council for listening.”
A military veteran himself, Cllr Parsonage stressed the importance of protecting memorials linked to those who fought in past conflicts.
“As a veteran myself, I believe maintaining the history of those who fought for the safety and freedom we enjoy today is essential,” he added. “It gives real meaning to the words ‘We shall remember them’ and this memorial is one such important feature.”
While the lantern has been saved, it will remain temporarily switched off while engineers develop a safer upgrade plan for its internal electrical fittings. Cornwall Council says the lantern will be electrically isolated until a new design and strategy are approved.
Cllr Parsonage said work is already underway with an electrical engineer to ensure the lantern can once again illuminate the memorial safely during the evenings while preserving its historic appearance.
He added that he will continue working with Cornwall Council and local partners to balance modern safety requirements with protecting Torpoint’s heritage for future generations.