CORNWALL Council has granted conditional planning permission for the development of up to 260 homes to be built on land to the North of Stratton Road, Bude.

The application, which was formally approved on December 20, also includes the development and provision of public open space, allotments, scout hall, business/community hub including a community building, a GP surgery and an office space.

The Post has previously reported the proposals had been met with opposition by local residents, who took to the Cornwall Council website to give reasons such as a lack of space in the town and a lack of infrastructure for their opposition.

In August, Cornwall?Council’s strategic planning committee agreed to delegate authority to the head of planning and enterprise to approve the application. At the time, Cornwall Cllr Paula Dolphin (Lib Dem) expressed her support for the proposals, stating: “This is definitely the right place to build more houses…I think it’s a great site as it promotes school collaboration,” while North Cornwall Conservative MP, Scott Mann, also expressed his delight.

Mr Mann said: “One of the most common gripes I hear from constituents, rightly, is the lack of infrastructure with big developments, and I’m pleased that the proposals for Stratton include a GP surgery, a school, a community building, a multi-activity area and road improvements.

“Although the final decision for the 260 homes has been delegated to the head of planning, the highlight for me is the thumbs up for a new junction at Skitches Corner.

“I went down to the junction not long after I was elected to see the constant traffic that speeds past parents and children trying to cross the road, and I have since been badgering Cornwall Council and CORMAC to build a new junction.

“I’m therefore very pleased that it will be re-modelled, and I hope that a high proportion of the new homes will be affordable to buy and rent for local people.”