An application for permission in principle for the erection of up to nine dwellings on land at Upton Meadows, off Strafford Close in Bude was discussed at Bude-Stratton Town Council’s planning committee meeting on January 31.

Some members of the committee had concerns that a development in this particular area would lead to more green space being lost in the future.

Cllr Tony Gibbs was firmly against the proposal. He said: “I feel strongly against this application, I don’t think this is in a sustainable position and will inevitably fill the whole field up. Looking at that map you can see the whole of that triangle being developed.”

The area of land proposed for the nine dwellings lies in a field surrounded by other housing.

Cllr Lea Deely confirmed that there had already been 13 objections to this application. She also added: “Just up the road from this, we approved a development of 30 houses.”

Cllr Peter La Broy spoke in support, as a former resident of an area close to the proposed site. He said: “I used to live there in 2008 when I moved to the area. We always assumed that field would have been developed into more housing as it’s pretty obvious development land.”

The land has an access point adjacent to some of the surrounding houses and leads out onto an existing road.

Cllr Gibbs continued in his argument against the application, which has been submitted by Mr Rob Cox, adding: “It’s a mile away from the town. Contrary to Peter speaking in support, in policy three of our plan it talks about schemes to up to 30 dwellings and for developments over 30 units will be linked to schools and primary schools. You’re not going to walk from this site into town and bus links are pretty tenuous.”

Cllr La Broy argued: “I used to make my kids walk to school from there.”

Cllr Julia Bryson pointed out that a plan that was previously rejected by Cornwall Council is the same distance to the town’s centre as the proposed dwellings. The reason Cornwall Council rejected the plan was because they were too far out. Cllr Bryson said: “Logically Cornwall should refuse it anyway. It’s the same distance as the other development. We might be in agreement with Cornwall Council.”

Mayor and councillor, Bob Willingham said: “It’s a difficult one for me because we can’t turn everything down, when we let some go ahead.”

Cllr Gibbs responded: “This will be the start of letting of this field go.”

Cllr Deely agreed, and said: “I think we should object.”

Cllr Gibbs added: “I feel so strongly and will volunteer to go down to county myself if we choose to object. Peter, I don’t agree with you on this situation.”

Cllr Tony Philip agreed with Cllr Gibbs’ suggestion to reject the plans. He said: “I think Tony’s points regarding policies need to be upheld.”

Cllr Willingham said: “When you do make the proposal at county can you make sure to bring up the policies?”

Cllr Gibbs proposed to object the application and the other members of the committee were in favour of his proposal, apart from Cllr La Broy who abstained from voting.

Bude-Stratton Town Council objected to the application, as the location is contrary to Cornwall Local Plan Policy one and the Bude Neighbourhood Plan Policy three. They felt it is an intrusion into open countryside and sets a precedent for the future of this particular field.

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The final decision is expected to be made by Cornwall Council plans committee.