AT?THE recent Bude Community Network Panel meeting, Cllr Edwina Hannaford, portfolio holder for planning, and head of planning and enterprise Phil Mason from Cornwall Council attended to explain the benefits of the developing Cornwall Local Plan, and what it means for Bude.

With the planning committee on Cornwall Council receiving the largest amount of applications per year and the success the council has gained with that, Cllr Hannaford enhanced the need to always be striving for the best outcomes, with room for improvement in all aspects of the job.

According to Cllr Hannaford, the plan is still undergoing development but is ‘heading in the right direction’. A final report will be provided, which will then be sent to cabinet and then full council for a formal adoption.

The new Cornwall Local Plan includes groundbreaking information on how to protect wildlife, including hedgehogs and bees, and states that any new development should consider and make space for nature.

Additionally, it also provides guidance on world heritage and historic sites, and how developments in these areas should be approached.

A new affordable housing programme will also converge with the adoption of the Cornwall Local Plan, giving the community an idea on what they should be striving for, including housing and the creation of jobs.

In the plan, it states that 20% of a housing site should be starter and affordable homes, which Cllr Hannaford said will ‘be good for some, but will be at the expense of the affordable rented homes’.

She said: “Cornwall Council needs to build on the imbalance in some areas, we feel like we need to intervene in the market, as we cannot provide for all citizens. We’re making decisions on this now, which will need to be approved by the inspector.

“We want the planning service and development in Cornwall to be the best it can be.”

Mr Mason also addressed the Bude Community Network Panel members with details of the affordable housing scheme.

He explained that Bude currently has 30% of affordable housing in the town, and the town has a high housing demand, with many sites Cornwall Council would consider.

However, there are also worries over emerging ideas regarding the possibility of the government allowing other private providers to deal with planning applications.

Additionally, there is a scheme called the Cornish Distinctiveness Project with a board and committee.

Cllr Hannaford added: “There is a lot of awareness raising to be done to stress the importance of the historic environment. This will be able to help parishes and other organisations to understand and will create a better quality design.”