Controversial plans to build 40 new homes on a greenfield site between Budock and Falmouth have been turned down almost unanimously despite being recommended for approval.

Persimmon Homes wanted to build the homes on land off Bickland Hill in Budock despite concerns that the development would destroy a green buffer.

The application was due to go before Cornwall Council’s west sub-area planning committee last week but was delayed until today because of the Queen's funeral. Planning officers had recommended that the plans be approved, subject to a legal agreement being reached regarding the number of affordable homes to be provided.

Falmouth Packet: CCCC (Image: Supplied)

Under the proposals it was stated that 14 of the new homes would have be affordable. But this morning councillors on the West Cornwall Planning Committee on Cornwall Council voted nine to one to refuse the application.

In their report to the committee, officers stated that the site is “not allocated for development and would result in the loss of a greenfield site”. They stated that while it would go against the local Neighbourhood Development Plan the development does comply with the Cornwall Local Plan as it is considered to be “rounding off,” as the site has other developments around it.

The application has attracted objections from Falmouth Town Council and Budock Parish Council, which are both concerned that the development would result in a loss of a “green buffer” zone between Falmouth and Budock.

Councillor Phil Burnett of Budock Parish Council spoke on Budock Parish Council's behalf. A meeting of the parish council is due to take place tonight to discuss the result.

Following the decision, former Budock Cornwall Councillor, and current Cornwall member for Constantine, Mabe and Mawnan, John Bastin said "Up until the last election I was the Local CC member for Budock and I must say that the work I put in re the Falmouth / Budock Boundary review was supported today by committee colleagues .

"It must be remembered that both Falmouth and Penryn were two small villages that evolved within the ancient Parish of Budock and as  such Budock must not be lost within future development."

Also reacting to the decision, current Budock Cornwall member David Saunby said he was very happy that this application was rejected retaining the green buffer between the Parish of Budock and the town of Falmouth.

"Eve Parc, which this proposed development will be joined up to, is already a massive site which will boost approximately 500 homes on completion," he said.

"So why destroy the green buffer for the sake of 40 more homes, when there is already planning permission granted on a separate, development to the north of Eve Park in the Parish of Budock which will cater for Budock's affordable, housing needs?"

 

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