A judicial review is being sought on an inspector’s decision to allow up to 40 homes to be built on fields between Budock and Falmouth.

As reported in the Packet last week, an application by Persimmon Homes to build 40 homes on land off Bickland Hill was allowed on appeal.

The development was opposed by the parish council which said the development would destroy the last green buffer between Budock and Falmouth.

Falmouth Packet: The inspector allowed the appeal to build homes in fields off the Eve Parc development in Falmouth. The inspector allowed the appeal to build homes in fields off the Eve Parc development in Falmouth. (Image: File)

Following an emergency meeting, Budock Parish Council says it will seek a review of the planning inspector’s decision.

It has written to Cornwall Council chief executive Kate Kennally asking for its support.

In its letter to her the council says: “Budock Parish Council consider this Appeal process and subsequent decision to be flawed and unjust. Given that the Appeal found against both the NDP and the Local Plan we would expect to be fully supported by Cornwall County Council in seeking Judicial Review.”

The council says it is not a decision it has taken lightly but it claims the planning process “lacked transparency”.

It said it had given full consideration to the appeal decision and the report of the planning inspectorate and say they are particularly concerned by the actions of the inspector after the hearing was finished.

 

In a statement issued to the Packet, Budock Parish Council said: “We believe that the Public Appeal Process lacked transparency in that the inspector contacted certain parties, and took account of their comments, three months after she declared to all parties that the hearing was complete, that she would accept no further comments or submissions from any party, and that her report was expected to be complete within a month.

“Additionally we believe that the decision perpetuated factual inaccuracy and is biased against the Budock Neighbourhood Plan, at a time when we are told that local communities are empowered by such plans and have "their voice".

The council says planning permission for development outside of defined development boundaries should only be allowed if it was for affordable homes for local residents.

“Not 65% Full Market Housing smuggled in on the back of 35% "Affordable" which is the situation before us.

“We are aware that many residents are perplexed by the term affordable when applied to any new housing since it seems detached from their reality.!

The parish council says it has requested the guidance of Cornwall County Councillors, and we has requested their guidance and help in bringing the Appeal Decision to Judicial Review.