New houses in Helston, Cornwall off Sanctuary Lane/ Beacon Parc

Conditional approval has been given to outline plans for the five two-bedroom houses on land to the south west of Sanctuary Lane, with Kernoweth Homes Ltd behind the development.

The project is described as: “Five new modern two-bedroom houses with parking etc, on waste ground between Beacon Parc and Sanctuary Lane, Helston.

“The proposed scheme will greatly improve the area of land that has been neglected for many years and provide much needed smaller houses."

In the accompanying document the site is said to have been empty for a number of years, with public access running between Beacon Parc and Sanctuary Lane, which has been incorporated into the new design for the site.

The site plan

This, it says, will provide access to the site and also maintain vehicle access for 15 Beacon Parc,

The land previously had planning permission for a two-bedroom bungalow and a three-bedroom house.

The new houses will have one double bedroom and one single bedroom in each.

It goes on to say that there will small gardens to the front of the houses, parking to the sides of each terrace and main gardens with patios at the back of the homes.

The site plan indicates one parking space per property.

In giving conditional approval, the Cornwall Council planning officer said: "It is acknowledged that five dwellings on the site will result in a high density residential development, but given the central location and mixed pattern and layout of surrounding development, the proposal will sit comfortably within the existing built environment.

"With regards to future residents of the development, the proposal will provide small two bed starter homes or homes for people looking to downsize; ideal for single persons and couples with a small family, with one double bedroom and one single bedroom provided.

"The properties are likely to be at the more affordable end of the price range for rental or sale on the open market and are highly likely to meet a particular need for this type of accommodation in the town of Helston. "

The access lane to the site

Cornwall Council received 15 letters of objection and five in support.

One of the objectors, Mike Timpson, described it as a "gross overdevelopment", saying the houses would "encroach upon the light and privacy" of existing buildings in Beacon Parc, Kernyk Parc and Sanctuary Lane.

He also pointed out that the site for the houses had previously been used for parking by Sanctuary Lane residents, who now had to park on the lane that was "a busy road with no pavement."

However, another resident, Darren Parish, who said he owned a property at the end of Sanctuary Lane, believed the houses would benefit an undeveloped area that had "been left for so long."

He added: "The developers have history within the town, and the site they had at Castle Green a couple of years ago, where they developed some unsightly old garaging into some beautiful terraced properties, in total keeping with the existing properties, adding to the appearance of all of the Castle Green area.

"Some much needed housing, affordable for local families, is just what's needed at the current time, and these properties fit that remit perfectly."

Helston Town Council supported the application and the Highways team offered no objection to amended plans provided the footway was diverted first.