A pair of planning applications for projects within a Warwick park are set to go before the Development Applications Board — but only one is recommended for approval.

According to planning documents, technical officers called for plans to convert a derelict building in Southlands into a new office for the Mirrors Programme to be given the green light.

A separate proposal to turn a storage area and garage into an apartment has been recommended for refusal for being incompatible with the park.

Both proposals had sparked letters of objection from environmental groups, who argued that no developments or change of use could be allowed until after a management plan for the park is approved.

The first of the two application proposed a change of use for Quarry Cottage, a dilapidated residence in the parklands, along with internal works and an extension to the building.

The planning application noted that the Mirrors Programme already operates within Southlands, having been involved in clean-ups and improvement works.

The application said: “A key aspect of the youth support and development events or programmes include operating a garden located in Southlands Park.

“The unit is also seeking to support the youth in their skill/career development in relation to plant, environmental and historical studies.”

The DAB report said the proposal would support the maintenance, conservation and enhancement of the park overall.

The report said: “The proposal is for the adaptive reuse of an existing, dilapidated building, limited to a negligible new element of development below 300 square feet in total cross area, thereby preserving the built character of the area.

“The new use would support and enhance the park’s function by facilitating programming that includes youth gardening, outdoor education and team building, which directly aligns with the public, recreational and educational character of the park.

“Therefore, the development proposal is considered compatible with the quality, character and function of Southlands Park.”

It was also noted that the project would not have any adverse impact on any environmental features and was located in an area of the park that was already developed.

The report said the proposal was reviewed by the National Parks Commission and approved, with members voting unanimously in support of the plans.

In the case of the second application, however, the technical officer found that converting a vacant storage area and garage in the park into a single-bedroom apartment was not in keeping with policies.

While documents included in the application argued the proposal was in line with “planned improvements involving arrangements for the renovation and reuse of all derelict buildings”, the DAB report said the proposal was not right for the park.

“The introduction of private or quasi-private residential accommodation, regardless of its proposed intended use by government or affiliate visiting consultants, would fundamentally alter the core function of the park from a natural asset to one that accommodates housing,” the report said.

The report writer said that the change of use would undermine the quality, character and function of the park.

“In addition, the department does not accept that there are other residential uses in the park as they have already been vacant for a significant number of years and these historic uses relate to its former use as a private landholding which is no longer relevant as it has been rezoned and is a designated national park,” the report added.

Both applications are scheduled to be considered by the DAB during its meeting tomorrow.

The Government acquired Southlands in 2012 through a land-swap deal involving Morgan’s Point, and the property was officially designated a national park in 2017.

Several proposals have been put forward for the park in recent years, including planning applications for a zip line attraction and a café, but the proposals have been met with calls to preserve the site.

Last month the Government closed online consultation on a draft management plan for the 37-acre property, but stated that the management plan was “separate and unrelated” to proposals for commercial development at Southlands.