Concerns have been raised that a proposed development of affordable homes will impact a previously undeveloped area of Redruth, writes Local Democracy Reporter Lee Trewhela.

L James has applied for permission in principle to build nine affordable homes on land south of Bella Vista at Sandy Lane in the town.

However, both Redruth Town Council and local member Connor Donnithorne are against the plans. Even Cornwall Council’s own planning officer, who has recommended approval, says it’s a “finely balanced case”.

A meeting of the Cornwall Council west area planning committee will consider the application on Monday (November 11), when it is brought before them by a concerned Cllr Donnithorne, instead of being decided by officers only.

He said: “I cannot support development in this area given that it would have an impact on existing highways and would open this currently undeveloped part of town.”

The town council unanimously agreed not to support the application on the grounds that the proposals are not in accordance with the emerging Redruth Neighbourhood Development Plan.

In her report to the committee, case officer Hannah England says: “It is acknowledged that schemes for residential development on the eastern side of Sandy Lane have been resisted in the past. However, an appeal was recently allowed by the Planning Inspectorate following refusal of a planning application, which has resulted in the grant of outline permission for an affordable housing led scheme on land some 130m south of the current application site, on the eastern side of Sandy Lane.

“Whilst it is clear that the current proposal would physically and visually extend beyond the definable limits of the settlement of Redruth, the site can be seen to immediately adjoin the settlement boundary of Redruth, and it is not inappropriate in terms of scale.

“Although not representing infill nor rounding off development due to its physical extension into the open countryside, it is considered that the proposal could, in principle, accord with the aims and intentions of policy… as it constitutes an affordable housing-led scheme that is well-related to the built form of Redruth and in a highly accessible location.”

She added that the need for affordable housing in the area outweighed any harm that would be caused by the development of the site. The HomeChoice registered shows there are currently 667 households seeking affordable accommodation in Redruth parish.

If permission in principle is approved, technical details approval would also have to follow in order for full planning permission to be granted.