Introduction
Croggons tannery ran from 1712 to 2002. Tanning took a long time. After washing, hides were placed in lime solution
for two to three weeks to remove hair. Hides were then laid flat in vats with oak bark (or ground Turkish acorns after
1889) between the layers and soaked in tannin for 18 months to two years. Argentinian and Dutch hides were tanned
with local hides and shipped out of Charlestown.
The tanning of leather in Grampound goes back to medieval, perhaps even Roman, times and the large cattle
markets supplied the hides. At one time there were five tanneries in the area, which was a centre for leather. From
1711 the Croggon tannery flourished in Grampound and until quite recently produced high quality leather by the
traditional oak-bark method.
Cornwall Council
In 2005, plans were submitted for a two-phase redevelopment of the Manor Tannery, which included a mixture of
housing and possibilities for commercial and retail units in the preserved tannery buildings. A local building company,
Rosemullion Homes, has an option to develop the site and adjacent land. Another company, LHC Urban Design, was
commissioned to develop a master plan for the site. Its intention is to include; some social housing to rent or buy, and
some low market-value housing suitable for first-time buyers.
The plan is to have a mix of housing, which would be sympathetically designed to blend in with the existing
village character. However, some local people have expressed concern about the impact on the landscape. The area
is designated as being of 'very high landscape value', which is one category away from Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty. Another concern is the biodiversity. Various ecological surveys have been taken to ensure the conservation
of open space and endangered species such as bats and dormice. Movement patterns and access points is also a
concern. The A390 is busy and hazardous, and funding for a bypass is unlikely. At present vehicular access to the site
is at three points, all of which are narrow lanes.
Developer
A sensitive re-development including the conversion of Listed tannery buildings into 16 homes and 370 sq m office
space with a further 49 units on adjacent brownfield land.
A holistic approach of masterplanning, landscape architecture and architecture has enabled this project to
take form. The renovated tannery retains the charm of the original buildings, with reverse level accommodation
preserving the open plan upper floors, oak louvres and cladding.The contemporary units, to be built in traditional
materials, have been carefully designed to retain the strong visual links with the tannery. A new public space created
at the heart of the development will bring a sense of community.
