Homes rejected for Cornwall's northern coastline
A planning application for seven new homes in a hamlet on Cornwall's north coast has been denied by Cornwall Council's central sub-area planning committee. The field intended for development, located between Perranporth and Goonhavern, is currently used for horses.
The planning committee deemed the land unfit for building due to environmental implications. In Cornwall, planning committees often refuse developments in sensitive or open countryside areas, especially within protected landscapes, to preserve the natural and historic environment.
The environmental implications of building in a hamlet on the north coast, which often involves protected coastal and rural land, likely contributed to the refusal. Additionally, the lack of nearby amenities and facilities typically weighs against such developments because of potential increased reliance on cars and strain on limited local resources.
The planning officer argued in favor of the development, citing the location adjacent to a settlement of new houses as a positive factor. However, the affordable element of the development was highlighted as outweighing the harm to the character of the area by the planning officer.
Residents raised concerns about the lack of facilities for additional housing. The Perranzabuloe Parish Council and Cornwall Council's highways officer also objected to the proposed development.
Interestingly, the land in question is listed as Grade 3a good agricultural land by Natural England, having been used for farming until 2009. The land was sold with a proviso that it would only be used for horses.
In a separate development, plans for thousands of new homes in Ireland have been refused by the Irish government. Furthermore, a planning application for over 80 homes in Berkshire has also been refused.
As of the latest updates, no direct appeal or overturn decision has been noted for the Cornwall development.
- The Cornwall Council's central sub-area planning committee's refusal of a development for seven new homes in a hamlet on the north coast seems to echo a broader trend in preserving sensitive or open countryside areas, especially within protected landscapes, to maintain the region's natural and historic environment.
- The environmental impact of building new homes, especially in hamlets situated near protected coastal and rural land, often plays a significant role in planning committees' decision-making process, as seen in the refusal of the proposed development in Cornwall.
- In Cornwall, housing developments potentially face challenges, as concerns over the lack of nearby facilities, increased reliance on cars, and strain on local resources are often considered against such developments. Moreover, plans for new homes on Grade 3a good agricultural land, as in the Cornwall case, may encounter additional objections due to the land's agricultural history and provisos associated with its sale.
