A NEW cash machine could be coming to Launceston – outside of a restaurant.

With the abundance of cash machines in the town rapidly dwindling with the closure of the banks, an application for an independently operated automated teller machine (ATM) has been made for the outside of Launceston Tandoori at the address of 7 Church Street, Launceston.

In the application, the applicants stated: “We are proposing to install an ATM to the right-hand side of the main entrance. The ATM will be installed through an existing glazed panel as a through laminate installation.

“We consider that the installation of this ATM is not detrimental to the existing street scene.”

Launceston Town Council said it supported the application, adding: “We support subject to the proviso that no alterations and negative effect to the historic building and shop front and the applicant must ensure the floor is of significant strength to support the machine.”

Concerns over the impact of the proposals on a conservational area have been aired by the Historical Environment Planning team at Cornwall Council (HEP) who said: The HEP team do have some concerns regarding the addition of the ATM machine within the traditional shopfront of number seven as it will undoubtedly have an adverse impact on the character of the building and the Conservation Area.

“There are no details or justification included within the application as to why the ATM machine is necessary within the town and why this particular building has been selected.

“Furthermore, it is not clear from the submitted information whether the glass within the shopfront is original or of some age. The list description dates the shop fronts to the early 20th century and it implies that the glass may be of that date in number seven). The age of the glass should be confirmed.

“Traditional shopfronts can contribute much to the locally distinctive character of a town or village. Even small historic details that survive are worth retaining and incorporating into a new shopfront.

“They often have a higher degree of craftsmanship and tell you something of the story of the town and previous businesses. 'Historic' is just a relative term and can include styles from Georgian through to the 1960s, all of which are valued and can be restored today.

“If the officer is minded to approve this application the ATM machine should not have any impact on the framing of the shop window and the pilasters. It is not clear from the submitted documents whether there will be any intervention internally or to the internal floor to accommodate the machine.

“The machine should be fitted so that it can be removed without damage to the frame and the shopfront can be returned to its current state without compromising any original features. If the ATM falls out of use it should be removed, and glass be reinstated into the existing frame/pilasters.”

They added that they required more information on the age of the glass set to be replaced to facilitate the installation of the cash machine.