PLANS for up to 53 dwellings in addition to a care facility on land in Launceston has got the go ahead despite objections from residents and its town council.

The application by Kensey Valley Ltd sought permission for the development on land to the south of Monks Park Cottages in the town.

It sought outline planning permission from the council for the development, with the application concerning access to and through the proposed development.

All other matters were reserved, meaning that they will require approval in a separate reserved matters application which will give full details of the size, scale, massing, appearance and functionality of the development.

A bid in 2020 for up to 100 homes, a care home of up to 120 beds and a 10 unit apartment block for adults with learning difficulties was refused by Cornwall Council.

In 2021, a proposal which would have seen 62 dwellings and an extra care scheme of 75 units was also refused with both stating reasons on the grounds of cramped overdevelopment, lack of affordable housing and potential impact on dormice.

Launceston Town Council said it objected to the plans, adding that while it supported the principle of a new care home, it does not support the application as a whole due to inadequate infrastructure provision and it being an inappropriate development for the location due to being too large and intensive.

There were also 18 objections from residents.

Giving its reasons for approving the application, Cornwall Council’s planning officer stated: “Having regard to the provisions of the development plan and all other material considerations, it is concluded that the proposals represents sustainable development.

“While the locational constraints of allocations now carry reduced weight, the remaining requirements of the policy remain relevant, viable and necessary. The development also provides a 70-bed dementia care facility, responding directly to the significant, well evidenced need for modern specialist care accommodation within Launceston and the wider North and East Cornwall area.

“Cornwall Council's supported and specialist housing strategy identifies an acute and growing shortfall in residential and nursing care bedspaces, with demand projected to exceed supply substantially by 2033 and beyond.

“The proposed scheme would therefore make an important and timely contribution toward meeting statutory social care responsibilities and addressing a long standing structural deficit in care provision.

“When assessed against the development plan as a whole, the identified public benefits, including the delivery of specialist accommodation, housing, green infrastructure, and improved highway links as well as pedestrian and cycle connectivity are considered to weigh considerably in favour of the scheme.

“Accordingly, there are no material considerations that indicate permission should be refused. Taking these factors into account, on balance it is considered that the proposal is acceptable, subject to conditions.

“All other matters raised have been taken into account, including the planning history and the comments of the Town Council, but none is of such significance as to outweigh the considerations that have led to the conclusion. It is considered it would be unreasonable to make any other decision to the one being recommended.”