THE public were offered the opportunity to have their say on the ‘Launceston Southern Area Masterplan’ at an exhibition held in the town hall on Friday, September 27, from 10am to 3.30pm and again the following day [Saturday] from 10am to 1pm.

The masterplan is a proactive approach, which has been created in partnership by the town council and Cornwall Council, to see higher quality development coming forward in Launceston.

Boards were set up around the room over the weekend displaying information about the plan with space for members of the public to add their own comments.

There was a steady flow of visitors during the two days with many members of the public wishing to have their say on the proposals. Speaking on the first day of the exhibition, Chris Sims, Launceston community link officer, said: “Through the day there has been a gentle flow of people.

“We have asked people to write comments on sticky notes and put them up on the boards to give us an insight into what they think of the plan. If someone has a more detailed comment there are forms available and we — representatives of the town and Cornwall Council — are on hand should anyone have any questions.

“It is important that we get people’s thoughts and concerns on this masterplan. We will then collate that information and see how we can incorporate that into the plan.”

Mr Sims said the exhibition was part of a six-week consultation process, which would continue until October 14.

He said: “We’ve had some positive responses and a few concerns, which is always going to be the case, but we have colleagues from the planning department and architects here to answer any questions.

“This plan has been created in partnership between the town council and Cornwall Council. It will shape future developments in the town instead of just letting them happen. It means that when a developer applies through the planning authority there will be a guide of useful tips to help them through the planning process to ensure the development fits in with the town.”

Comments made on the day ranged from parking issues to bus links in the town, with many expressing concern regarding the affect any new development would have on local trade: “Does this promote trade within the town centre or take it away? Do residents work outside of the town and spend their money elsewhere?”

One person believed the additional housing being proposed was ‘ridiculous’, writing: “Most of the info sounds like gobbledegook to me i.e. creating a ‘sense of place’. 1,000 more houses! Ridiculous!”

Whilst another suggested free parking could encourage people back to the town centre.

One member of the public attenging, Shaun Carter, of Trebursye, said he was keen to give positive feedback as he didn’t feel negative comments would be helpful.

He said: “It is all about the development of the town I have lived in all my life. That is important!

“I am all for positive development and we are seeing some of the information here but there is a lot more that needs to be discussed.”

Housing was high on the agenda and Mr Carter said: “On the Launceston border on the back roads to Tregadillett there seems to be an easement of permission, these lot [Cornwall Council representatives] don’t agree with me but I think it is important to highlight these things because we are here on the ground, we know what is happening in our town.”

He added: “I am all for housing if it is done in the right way but you have to get everything else in place first.”

Mr Carter believed there was a lot more to the development of the town than just housing. Infrastructure, he believed, should be high on the list of priorities.

He said: “There are additional things that we need to push for in my opinion because people don’t look outside past the garden gate. If you look at Colliford reservoir, the levels are lower than I have ever seen. Where do we get our water next? Has that been thought of?

“Things like electricity, water and importantly road structure need to be looked into more — as long as it is done with 100% safety in mind of the team and residents in those new houses being built.”