FIVE high-specification dwellings could be built on land near Bude if planning permission is granted by Cornwall Council.

Penstowe Manor Ltd has applied to the planning authority seeking permission to demolish a number of commercial buildings and replace them with five dwellings on land adjacent to Penstowe Manor, Penstowe Road, Kilkhampton.

The land is presently home to a collection of buildings that is referred to in the documents as an ‘established commercial plot’ which adjoins Penstowe Manor, including a redundant swimming pool.

The buildings have historically supported operational and service activities in the area and it is these buildings that could be demolished and clearance as part of redevelopment plans – and will be sited next to five previously built properties.

If approved, it would see the construction of three four-bedroom properties, capable of occupying seven people each and two three-bedroom properties which would have space for five people each.

In the documents as part of the submission to Cornwall Council, the applicant said that there were reasons for the site not being brought forward as part of the previous planning application – as if it had been brought together as one site, it could have led to requirements for a proportion of affordable accommodation.

However, the applicant told the council this was not the case, stating: “The proposed development forms part of land within the same ownership as the adjacent phase one scheme. The application has been brought forward as a separate phase due to site-specific constraints and delivery considerations, rather than any intention to artificially subdivide development to avoid policy requirements.

“The applicant recognises the potential for cumulative consideration in relation to affordable housing policy. In this regard, the scheme includes the demolition of existing redundant commercial buildings on the site. Should the Local Planning Authority consider the proposals cumulatively, the applicant would seek to apply Vacant Building Credit in accordance with national policy and guidance, which is a material consideration in determining the level of any affordable housing contribution.”

Vacant Building Credit is a scheme where the level of affordable housing contributions can be reduced if it is being built on brownfield land.

Details of the new proposed development stated the ideas behind it, with the applicant telling the council: “The proposed development comprises a small-scale residential scheme of five detached dwellings within a site of approximately 0.33 hectares, with the developable area carefully defined to respect existing landscape features and ecological buffers. This represents a low-density, high quality residential use, consistent with Kilkhampton’s rural settlement pattern and aligned with local policy objectives that support modest housing growth in sustainable locations.

“Each dwelling is designed as family home, offering private garden amenity space for outdoor living, on-plot parking and turning areas to ensure safe and convenient access, integrated sustainable drainage features within the landscaped setting and direct access to green infrastructure enhancing the rural character and ecological value of the site.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The plans are viewable on the Cornwall Council planning portal using reference PA26/02206.