THE affordable housing element of a proposed development in Camelford has been criticised by councillors, who labelled the properties as 'unwanted'.

At the recent meeting of the town council, Mark Richards of Smiths Gore, rural property advisors, gave a presentation on a proposed residential development on land opposite Sir James Smith's Community School, along Sportsmans.

The land, which measures just under a hectare, would house 37 dwellings — 15 affordable and 22 open market; a mix of one, two and three bed homes; 69 car parking spaces and 580sq metres of public open space.

There would also be a pedestrian link to Trevia Lane, a footway along the main road and a pedestrian crossing.

Mr Richards said there were 177 people on the housing register in need of affordable housing.

He claimed that as well as providing affordable housing to meet the local need, the plans would provide social capital and a sustainable development.

"More houses brings more people into the town," he said.

The mayor, Cllr Andy Shaw, gave each councillor an opportunity to ask Mr Richards questions.

Deputy mayor Cllr Rob Rotchell slammed the affordable housing part of the plan and the figures presented by Mr Richards as to the number of residents on the housing register.

He said: "I don't understand where Cornwall Council are getting their numbers from. We have a surplus of affordable housing currently in Camelford. There are affordable houses empty."

Cllr Rotchell said that when the last development was built in Victoria Road, they sold half of the houses and took people from two blocks of flats in the town to fill the rest. Those flats are now empty.

"I don't believe there are that many people currently on the list who have a parish connection that are in need of affordable housing.

"What Camelford needs is proper houses, three/four bedroom houses where people will come to Camelford and spend money and bring business to the town. More housing is inevitable — it's the right kind of housing."

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