CORNWALL Council’s portfolio holder for transport has reassured locals that residents at a development of 195 new homes in Launceston will be connected to the rest of the town with sufficient public transport links.

As the construction of nearly 200 new homes in Launceston progressing, some residents have expressed concern that Cornwall Council hasn’t provided enough local connectivity for prospective homeowners at the new estate along the A388.

Les Whaley is among locals who have raised the potential issue, particularly surrounding access to amenities within Launceston.

He said: “With 195 homes there will be a need for people to take children to school, work ,medical appointments and to access retail shops so as Cornwall Council plan routes before next Easter 2027 so there is a need for the 223 service to be looked at now as there are already bus shelters in place and only being used for the 76 Plymouth Service, people would have along walk to the bus stop just passed the roundabout on Tavistock Road.

“I know when we moved to Stourscombe it took many years of campaigning to extend the 223 from Tesco to our end of Tavistock road and many more campaigning to get the 223 bus to Homeleigh Garden Centre.”

Les has criticised the council for not considering the links prior to the estate’s approval.

“Its not good when planning is agreed that public transport is not linked in,” he continued. “After all once people move in there will be 195 homes paying council yax to Cornwall Council.

“The service of the 223 going into the new estate is not a concern for me but one should think of others having moved to a new estate needing a bus service and it would be nice to see Cornwall Council take Action now to sort out a bus service now and be a head of people complaining a lack of public transport.”

Though only 195 homes are being constructed presently, the site has been highlighted by the council as the potential location to deliver up to 300 homes. With this is mind, Les has suggested that as the town continues to expand, more public transport services will soon be necessary.

He explained: “With more and more housing being built in the southern area of Launceston there will be a time when there will be a need for two town buses, north and south, meeting at Westgate Street.”

However, despite concerns, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for transport, Dan Rogerson has stood firm in his belief that the current plans will be sufficient to service the estate.

When asked about concerns from residents, he told us: “New bus stops have been installed on the A388 outside the main entrance to the development. These will be served by the Service 76a which provides connections for Launceston College and Tesco, as well as onward connections from Westgate Street.”