St Austell, Cornwall affordable homes decision on plans

The proposal, which includes 20 affordable houses, has been recommended for conditional approval despite strong opposition from St Austell Town Council, Carlyon Parish Council and residents.

Applicant Ruth Allen is seeking permission to build 50 dwellings – reduced from an original plan of 61 – on land between Aspen Drive and Boscoppa Road in the town.

A report presented to members of the council’s central sub-area planning committee states: “Outline permission is sought for a residential scheme of 50 dwellings, with 25% affordable housing. This promotes an appropriate mix of house types which, in the context of the current housing crisis and an acute need for affordable homes in the parish, is a significant planning benefit.

The field in St Austell where 50 homes could be built (Image: Clare Edwards / Cornwall Council planning portal)

“It would be sited in a location which is accessible to the wide range of serves and facilities in St Austell by a range of sustainable modes of travel including walking, cycling and public transport. These benefits weigh heavily in favour of approving the application.”

However, the report by planning officer Alex Lawrey, also points out that the proposal would result in a “moderate level harm to the natural character of the area by introducing the new homes and associated urban infrastructure onto a currently undeveloped area of pastoral land on the rural eastern edge to St Austell, on land that is recognised in the Cornwall Council’s Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) as a ‘green buffer.’ The application would result in the loss of the Grade 3A agricultural land. This weighs against approval.”

The application was brought to committee by local councillor Jordan Rowse, who said the 50 homes were not needed as part of the five-year year land supply in St Austell.

He also raised concerns about the development being in the green buffer zone, not being included in the St Austell Town Framework, loss of agricultural land, lack of detail in the application, potential “overbearing and overlooking”, serious highway concerns, and drainage and flooding issues.

Existing houses overlooking the field in St Austell where 50 new homes could be built (Image: Liza Crabtree / Cornwall Council planning portal)

The Environment Agency says that it is satisfied that the flood risk from all sources has been adequately considered.

St Austell Town Council resolved to strongly object to the proposals in November last year. It stated: “The site is not identified in Cornwall Council’s DPD as a housing site. It is identified as a green buffer. The proposal would lead to the loss of protected mature trees and a reduction in biodiversity including a loss of protected bats and reptiles.

“The site and housing surrounding the site has a history of mining activity and subsidence. The historic Luxulyan Leat runs through the site and should be protected for its archaeological importance.”

The council was also concerned about the loss of “good quality” agricultural land which has been actively farmed for many years, adding: “Cornwall Council has demonstrated that it has a five-year land supply and St Austell has exceeded the local housing target set in the Cornwall local plan.”

Julie Larter, clerk to Carlyon Parish Council, also commented in November, saying: “The parish council is disappointed that it was not consulted on this application which borders St Austell Town and Carlyon parish, and if approved is likely to have consequences for Carlyon parish.

"The parish council supports St Austell Town Council’s strong objection to the proposed development as it would be further erosion of the green buffer separating St Austell town and the rural setting of Tregrehan Mills. Furthermore it is likely to increase the flood risk to the village through water run off, which is already a significant problem.”

READ NEXT:

Disappointment expressed as Truro loses free evening parking at council car parks

Several residents have opposed the proposals on Cornwall Council’s online planning portal. Ann Miller wrote: “I totally object the planning application for the building of another [50]homes on green buffer land. Surely Cornwall Council have filled their quota of building new build/affordable housing within the St Austell area?

"Since moving into my new home nearly seven years ago, there have been at least five huge building projects – not to mention the building of the West Carclaze Garden Village with a build of 1,500 new homes! Do we have the infrastructure to meet the requirements needed, doctors, NHS dentists, schools, and work to sustain all of this?”

Jasmine York added: “We are very much against even more of our natural habitat being churned up and removed/damaged. It is astonishing how many trees are currently being cut down and fields are being ripped up in our local area. It’s time for everyone to open their eyes and realise that we only have one planet/one chance. We need to speak up and be the voice for our natural world. No more developing on green spaces. There is absolutely no need. There are plenty of disused buildings in and around the town which could be renovated and reused. There is no need for more of our beautiful county to be destroyed.”

A decision will be made on whether the houses will be built at a planning meeting on Monday, June 5.