I and many others attended last week’s public meeting with the counties strategic planning team. A number of councillors came from all over Cornwall to hear our views about local farmer Mark Rowe’s company Jackamax’s proposal to build 340 homes at Trenethick, also known as HX1. 

As the county planners were unable to make a decision within the allotted 13 weeks and Jackamax refused to grant an extension it appears the development will go to appeal and be decided outside the county. If they really have Helston’s interests at heart you would expect them to work with our representatives not try and get around the planning system.

A prime example is that they have recently re-submitted a slightly amended plan for the same development. Of the 90 or so objections, none will be carried across to the new application which is cynically timed just before Christmas. 

Anyone who has submitted an objection or would like to, should use Cornwall Council’s website and search for planning application number 11142, you only have until December 17 to get your objection in.

The town council, Wendron parish council and the Helston framework committee have all rejected this site, preferring the HX2 site at the May Tree/Sainsbury.

Unless we keep sending strong signals that this development isn’t wanted, Helston will end up with 340 houses built in the wrong place and the developer will be laughing all the way to the bank.

Ian McDonald,
Helston