CAMELFORD Town Councillors have raised objection to plans for 37 dwellings and public open space on Station Road, Camelford.

The council reviewed the reserved matters application for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following outline approval PA15/09884 dated August 19, 2016 for the erection of up to 37 dwellings, the provision of open public space and associated works at land west of Sir James Smith’s Community School, Station Road.

Cllr Andy Shaw was keen to delve straight into the plans. He said: “I feel this site is particularly over-developed, it’s a bit of a rabbit warren. It’s not a good site, in my opinion — it looks like an over-development of the site.”

Within the plans includes the proposed use of domestic sprinklers in each dwelling to ensure the safety of residents. This has been supported by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, who have also requested considerate access for fire vehicles.

Cllr Lauren Rathbone agreed, and had concerns about access. She added: “My main concern is with the access — if you think about the number of cars there, there’s always going to be more.”

However, mayor Cllr Claire Hewlett noted that the site was one which is designated in Camelford’s Neighbourhood Plan. Although stating that he supports the use of domestic sprinklers, Cllr Rob Rotchell, deputy mayor, reminded the council that they had previously objected to the application ‘most strongly’ and he didn’t see any reason to change that.

He said: “I don’t see any reason why we should change our view that the access is not right and that we would require traffic control, but we would need to be specific.”

Cllr Shaw added that the site is 10 metres square with a five-metre buffer: “That is totally inadequate. I currently concur with Rob’s (Rotchell) comments. It needs to be wider and there needs to be less properties on that development.”

Cllr Shaw proposed that Camelford Town Council object to the application on grounds of access as per fire consultee response, run-off, lack of open space and over development. They also requested that a crossing or island should be installed to enable easier crossing of the B3266.

Cllr Sue Elford seconded the proposal and the vote was unanimous.

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