A PUBLIC enquiry is to be held for the appeal of the Upper Chapel development at Launceston, enabling members of the public to give their views.

Hallam Land Management's plans for the Upper Chapel development, which proposed 100 houses and an extension to Launceston graveyard, were unanimously rejected by Cornwall Council — despite the planning officer recommending approval.

The Launceston Framework Plan outlines various sites suitable for new housing — and other sites deemed not suitable. Upper Chapel fell into the latter category.

But as the local framework plans have not yet been passed by the council, they carry no weight in the planning process.

Cllr Alex Folkes, Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Launceston Central, said: "If you want to come along to the appeal and have a say, fantastic — if you want to come along and just listen, that is just as important. It will show the inspector that the town cares.

"In my experience, if the officer has recommended approval, it can hold some weight in an appeal. However, remember, the Upper Chapel development was unanimously rejected by the council.

"The appeal will be run by a legal person, maybe a barrister, but it has not been decided yet. The legal team will be supported by planning officers, and councillors are very involved.

"It is good that is in the form of a full public enquiry, from our point of view.?It means we can have the local community there, which gives us a variety of opinions.

"If it had been a hearing it Bristol it would have just been Cornwall Council and Hallam making a case in front of the inspector. This way, we can have a more unique, community approach.'

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.