Developers behind a failed bid for a retail park on the outskirts of Helston are yet to confirm if they will appeal – while there are calls for the public to have a say on what should happen to the land if they don’t.

Last week plans to develop a 2.7 hectare greenfield site at Hospital Cross - between the Sainsbury’s supermarket and Flambards Theme Park - into a retail park with Aldi, McDonald's and Costa, were refused by a Cornwall Council planning officer, on the grounds that it would have an “unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area.”

A spokesperson for Pegasus Group, which submitted the application on behalf of Parsonage Developments, told the Packet that they were currently reviewing the decision notice, adding: “We’re weighing our options at this time”.

He said that it was too early to say if they would appeal.

News of the refusal has been welcomed by climate campaigners who had previously spoken of concerns about the impact on the environment and the loss of green space.

Jules Lewis, chair of Helston Climate Action Group, said: “This is a good result for nature, the environment, and for Helston.

“We welcome Cornwall Council Planning referring to the Climate Emergency Development Plan document in making its decision, and hope to see this important document helping developers and planners make better decisions for our built environment.”

He went on to call for a public consultation on what should happen to the land – owned by the Helston Downsland Charity – if no appeal was brought.

“If the developers decide not to appeal, we would ask Helston Downsland Charity to declare a moratorium on any future sale of the land until the people of Helston can have a proper say on its use. After all, it is held in trust by the charity for the community's benefit.

“We're sure residents will have ideas for how the land can be better used in line with our town's climate commitments, and in a way that will be regenerative for nature and people both now and into the future.

“We would be very happy to compile these and share them with the Downsland Trust,” he added.

Mr Lewis said anyone with ideas about a different use for the land can email helstonclimateactiongroup@gmail.com Melissa Benyon, chair of the Helston Downsland Charity, said that trustees were still bound by the option agreement placed on the land, so she was unable to comment on the decision at this stage.

An option agreement gives a developer the option to buy land if planning permission can be obtained on it, without the risk that they will be compelled to buy it if no permission is granted.

In February this year, the charity issued a public statement regarding the application, followed “multiple enquiries from our community” about the current status of the land.

It said: “The option period is still live and running towards the ‘long stop date’ of July 23, 2023. After July 23, 2023, the Helston Downsland Charity (HDC) will not be obliged to sell the land to Parsonage Developments Ltd.

“Extension of the option period towards the long stop date does not rely on a decision from the HDC board of trustees, but is dictated by specific criteria within the option agreement.

“Please be aware that the trustees of the HDC are limited in how they are able to discuss the planning application by the option agreement with Parsonage Developments Ltd.”

Last week Helston Town Council also issued a statement “for clarity” after receiving negative comments on social media from some people who mistakenly believed the refusal came from the town council, as well as confusion over the relationship between the council and the Downsland Charity.

Helston Town Council said: "Helston Town Council is not directly involved with the Helston Downsland Trust but, by virtue of their role, the majority of town councillors are also trustees for the trust.

"An option agreement was made between the trustees and the developer, which included a condition which prevented their commenting on the application and following advice it was confirmed that it was not possible for councillors to comment in their capacity as a councillor without breaching the agreement as a trustee.

"For this reason Helston Town Council’s planning committee did not make any comment regarding planning applications at this site and the decision has been made by Cornwall Council as the planning authority.

"To be clear, should Helston Town Council have been in a position to consider this application it is a consultee in the planning process and can only make recommendations to Cornwall Council who would still make the final decision."