CORNWALL Council has backed down on a suggestion to put a retail development in the Cattle Market Car Park in Launceston.

Representatives from Cornwall Council met county and town councillors as well as other town representatives on Monday to discuss the possible inclusion of the car park as a land allocation for retail in the forthcoming Site Allocations plan.

The council said the meeting was to gain a local consensus and steer regarding the issue.

The idea was not well received by those in attendance, and, as a result of feedback received, Cornwall Council has agreed to not pursue the plan.

Jade Farrington, Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Launceston South, said: “When I was first elected, Cornwall Council wanted to sell the car park for a supermarket, which would have caused chaos on narrow streets and left those on Race Hill struggling to park in the evening as parking would have been banned on one side to accommodate HGV deliveries.”

Cllr Farrington conducted a survey and local people were almost unanimously opposed, believing that the best place for supermarkets and large retail outlets is on the edge of town where there is more parking and less disturbance.

She said: “Unfortunately Cornwall Council tried to resurrect the idea and wanted to allocate the car park for retail development.

“They commissioned a study which they say showed it was possible to get HGVs in and out, but proved what a nightmare this would be for those living on Race Hill, Exeter Street and Tavistock Road.”

At the meeting on Monday, at which a Post reporter was asked not to attend by Cornwall Council staff, local Cornwall Councillors, town councillors and representatives from Launceston Chamber of Commerce made it clear the idea should not be taken forward.

Cllr Farrington said: “Fortunately they have listened and the Cattle Market Car Park will not be allocated for retail development.

There are many existing derelict sites in the town centre which are ripe for redevelopment, and larger outlets are being granted permission to the south of the town.

“New stores are very welcome in Launceston, but not in a location which would cause chaos for people living and working in the town centre.”

Cllr Farrington proposed instead that Cornwall Council explores the possibility of putting a small amount of affordable housing at the back of the short stay car park, which is under used.

“This would help more young people get homes of their own without causing problems with HGVs.”