Yahoo News Cornwall planning: Unpopular bid to build houses on site which is 'like a zoo'
A bid to build up to two new houses in one of the oldest parts of a Cornish seaside town has received objections from the local council and the area's Cornwall Council member. Cllr Steve Arthur told a planning meeting that the site is so full of wildlife it's "like a zoo".
Darran Goldby submitted a permission in principle (PIP) application (an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing which leaves the technical details to a later stage) to build one or two houses on land off Hendrawna Lane, Bolingey, Perranporth.
The matter was called before Cornwall Council's central planning committee yesterday (Monday, November 18) by Cllr Arthur, who represents Perranporth. He was concerned about the proposal’s impact on wildlife and neighbouring properties.
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However, council planners recommended approval for the PIP despite acknowledging the site offers some public amenity value and natural habitat due to a significant amount of trees. The case officer noted that securing a satisfactory scheme at the technical details stage was considered "likely to be challenging".
The officer added: "Nevertheless, the site is considered an acceptable site for development in principle for residential development of up to two houses. The development is considered to round off the settlement of Perranporth. The provision of two new open market houses within a sustainable location would be considered a potential benefit of the development should it get technical details approval and developed."
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However, Perranzabuloe Parish Council objected, with Cllr Alan Bowers telling the committee the proposal would "represent development in the countryside, there is no adequate access, it would be outside the village confines and development boundary, it would not be infill or rounding off, concerns were expressed regarding sewage, water run-off and lack of infrastructure, the development would be in close proximity to Grade II listed buildings and detrimental to the character of the area, it would not meet the requirements for an exception site and would not be in line with the neighbourhood development plan".
Samuel Fuller, planning agent for the applicant, argued that the development would be rounding-off of development rather than building in the countryside as the site is bordered by houses on three sides.
Cllr Arthur said: "Since I've got into this planning game, this is the most strange one I've ever seen. It's a wildlife corridor for a start. There's a footpath which goes down the side of it which if the new Perranporth school goes in is recommended for use by all the children.
"The oldest settlement in Perranporth is just below it, which I think actually dates back to the 1600s. It's a fantastic break between the new development above it and old Perranporth. If you're minded to defer today for a site meeting, seeing is believing as that site is completely covered in trees. There are tawny owls currently in there. It's like a zoo in there in the evenings, with the amount of birds living there. I think it's just a ridiculous application personally."
The meeting heard that the fact the site is covered in trees wouldn't be a consideration for a PiP application, but would be when it came to the later technical details stage.
Cllr John Fitter: "I know officers are in a difficult position because a planning in principle is a dreaded piece of legislation which is absolute nonsense. I do believe this site is in the open countryside so as such it should be refused."
His proposal to refuse was successful with ten in favour and one against.
