AN update on the proposed transfer of land at Upper Chapel was given to councillors at the recent Launceston Town Council meeting.

In response to the Community Governance Review, the town council proposed an area of land, currently in St Thomas Parish, to be included within the boundary of Launceston.

The proposal was based on the knowledge that as part of the Section 106 agreement for the development at Upper Chapel, the town council would be given land to allow for the development of a new cemetery site.

The response by the Community Governance Review to the first consultation on proposed boundary changes was to retain the status quo. Therefore it was agreed that a meeting be held with St Thomas Parish councillors to discuss the matter further.

A meeting was held on January 6. The town council proposed that as it required the respective income that would be generated through the precept by the new development, in order to be able to maintain the new cemetery, that the area proposed for development combined with the proposed cemetery site be included within the boundary of Launceston. This would mean that no current residential property within the curtilage of the St Thomas Parish boundary would be included within Launceston.

St Thomas councillors advised that they would speak to local residents and consider the proposals at their earliest convenience, subject to the proviso that the second consultation has a closing date of March 24.

If St Thomas is in agreement with the proposals, the town council is recommended to agree the boundary site and the two councils submit this as part of the second consultation response.

At the town council meeting, mayor Cllr Dave Gordon said St Thomas Parish Council took the concerns on board and he was ‘quietly optimistic’.

Cllr Paul O’Brien noted the wording of the second recommendation said it was subject to the agreement of St Thomas Parish Council.

He said although they may disagree, he would like to think they would not have a veto over the town council’s decision.

Cllr John Harris said the town council have to be ‘neighbourly’ adding: “It’s their land. Let’s keep it nice and friendly. Let’s ask them in a nice way. If you start being belligerent again it will backfire.”

Cllr Brian Hogan said: “It’s our proposal. We’ve talked to St Thomas. That’s the way to go.”

Cllr John Conway added: “I thought what we proposed was that if St Thomas agree we go ahead with it. If they don’t agree we decide what to do then.”

Clerk to the council, Christopher Drake agreed and Cllr O’Brien said he was happy to withdraw his concerns.

It was unanimously agreed to note the update and agree with the proposals noted.