Falmouth Civic Society is desperate to see a neighbourhood plan established for the town which it claims could prevent an “unacceptable urban sprawl.”

Speaking at the society’s AGM, its chairman Professor Mike Jenks, expressed concerns about Falmouth’s future as he claims it is “faced with new targets for housing expansion and a much weakened planning system which has a presumption in favour of development.”

He said: “Without a neighbourhood plan, which we have been campaigning for over the last two years, growth may well become a developers’ charter leading to unacceptable sub-urban sprawl.”

He welcomed the reduction in housing targets to 2,600 and the news that Falmouth Town Council has accepted that a neighbourhood plan is needed now that it is to introduce an Article Four direction.

“The society has and will continue to offer help, expertise and support in drawing up the plan,” said Mr Jenks.

The AGM heard that membership of the society continues to grow and it has had a lively social programme. Coming up is a visit to the coastguard station, a talk by Jonathan Griffin on “Aspects of Falmouth’s Growth through |the Artist’s Eyes” at King Charles Coffee Shop on May 12 at 6pm.

If there is sufficient interest, it is also proposing to run a mini bus trip for a guided tour and tasting at the Camel Valley Vineyard on June 3, which will be open to all.

The highlight of the AGM was an “amusing and interesting” talk by Tim Light of the King Harry Ferry Company on “Messing About in a Boat.” At the end of the talk, a collection was made for Pearl of Africa, a charity supported by Tim.