Plans for a new 235 home development could see Budock lose its identity as part of a Falmouth centred urban sprawl according to one Cornwall Councillor.

Developer Westcountry Land is seeking pre-application advice for a project to cover more than 18 acres of farmland at Menehay Farm on Bickland Water Road, which is currently owned by Falmouth Rugby Club.

If the project is given the green light by the council it would mean a significant boost to the club's finances, which one committee member said would be used to support the clubs players for the next three or four generations, and to promote sport in Falmouth,

On it's website, Westcountry Land has stated that it is working closely with the club "to promote the land for development."

It said: "The proceeds of the sale will directly finance improved and additional facilities for the Rugby Club and all of their teams ranging from juniors through to the men’s first team. Westcountry Land are pleased to be involved with this project, which has wider community benefits than simply residential housing."

But John Bastin, Cornwall Councillor for Constantine, Mawnan and Budock, said the company had interest in the whole strip of land from Roscarrack House to Union Corner, which was removed from the emerging local plan when it was decided that Falmouth and Penryn had adequate land set aside for housing.

He said the land was important for agriculture, and added that if Westcountry got its way more than 400 homes might be built, even though more suitable brownfield sites are being identified, and added: "Most of these would be open market and not within the price range of those looking for affordable starter homes."

He said: "If this development were to take place then it will result in urban sprawl on the outskirts of Falmouth.

"This development would be part of a cascade of development that would bring Budock Church Town and Budock Water within striking distance of Falmouth, coalescing with it to form a new part of Falmouth and thus losing the identity of a village and hamlet that in reality have been there much longer than Falmouth itself."

He also noted such a development could turn tourists away from Falmouth, and also that at a recent appeal over a nearby site planning permission was turned down as it would detract from the historic nature of the area.

In a statement, Falmouth Rugby Club chairman Neville Curnow said: "After years of speculation over Falmouth RFC’s future at the town’s Recreation Ground, the club is delighted to announce that it has reached an agreement for the disposal of the land at Menehay. The sale and any development of this land will allow Falmouth RFC to remain in the heart of the town and also secure the future of local rugby for a minimum of two generations.

"The club is delighted to be able to cement itself at the Rec, which has been its home since 1904 and its third home since its conception in 1873."