A FOLLOWING 15 objections from the public, an application by Classic FM Homes Ltd of Worcester to build a house on land south east of Wringdown, Yeolmbridge, Launceston has again been rejected following three previous planning refusals and an appeal.

Locals are concerned about the loss of ancient Cornish hedgebank which would change the character of the area.

One of the objectors Philip Rogerson said: “There must surely be some limit to the number of virtually identical applications that can be made relating to the same site, bearing in mind the stress and concerns that this causes among the elderly and potentially vulnerable neighbours.”

Some of the objectors claimed the landowner had wilfully damaged the bank to help support his application to build a Cornish stone wall in its place.

Werrington Parish Council agreed, saying: “The Cornish/Devon bank is, as one of the previous appeal inspectors described (2019), a stone and earth bank.

“The new proposed access would destroy what is left of this piece of our heritage that current national planning initiatives are trying to retain…..

“The initial and continued damage to the bank has been the work of the landowner.

“The removal of stones from the bank by the landowner, which were then often left on the road by him, happened on the very infrequent times he visited.

“Evidence from residents supports this. Over time he has been creating a situation where the bank would be so difficult to maintain that planning would have to be given.’

Cornwall planners supported local concerns and once again refused planning permission, saying: “This proposal, by causing the loss of a tall section of stone-clad earth bank (ie a ‘Cornish Hedge’) adjacent to an historic sunken lane, and its replacement with a suburban-style stone wall with hedgerow above, would harmfully degrade local landscape character and distinctiveness.”