DESPITE a reduction in the number of properties proposed, Camelford Town Council maintained its objection to a planning application for a development of residential dwellings on land west of Farriers Green, Valley Truckle.

A few members of the public attended the town council meeting last Thursday to hear the council’s views on the application, submitted by Mr Ian Roach, Wainhomes (SW) Holdings Ltd.

Wainhomes had initially sought permission for the construction of 104 residential dwellings, associated highway, landscaping work and provision of an area of open space.

A consultation event was held in the town to give residents and other interested parties the opportunity to find out more about the plans, and have their say.

Although Mr Roach, planning manager, said they had brought forward ‘a positive project’, the proposals were met with strong opposition.

Concerns raised included bats in the field, a lack of infrastructure, a loss of meadow grassland and further pollution in the town.

Since then, Wainhomes has re-submitted an application, this time for the construction of 89 dwellings.

In discussing the application, Cllr Andy Shaw said: “Nothing has really changed in the planning application except the slight reduction. The dwellings should be larger. I’m of a mind to oppose this again. There are 45 public consultations on the website; there wasn’t one in favour. The general populous that I’ve spoken to are not in favour.”

He also noted that in the Camelford Neighbourhood Plan, the area is listed as a light business area.

Cllr Shaw proposed that the council does not support the application.

Cllr Claire Hewlett said the developers did speak with the Neighbourhood Plan team, adding: “We said the town as a whole did not want developments larger than 50 houses, and we were told that was unviable commercially.”

Cllr Hewlett seconded Cllr Shaw’s proposal and the vote was unanimous in favour. The final decision is expected to be made by Cornwall Council’s Planning Committee.