Two of the most controversial planning applications that currently exist in the St Keverne and Coverack area are to be decided this Monday.

The already built fence at Dean Quarry and the would-be building plot at Coverack’s Chymbloth Way are both on the agenda for the forthcoming planning meeting at Cornwall Council.

Both have been recommended for approval by planning officers, despite public objection in each case.

At the quarry, Adrian Lee of Shire Oak Quarries Limited has applied for retrospective permission to install two sections of metal chain link fencing, approximately two metres high. One is at the site entrance and includes a gate, while the second has gate access for the existing jetty.

Shire Oak has said the fence is needed for security, with evidence found of trespass and vandalism, and to “ensure the safety and wellbeing” of members of the public against “potential hazards” such as steep cliffs and deep water, although it is not required for quarrying operations.

St Keverne Parish Council recommended refusal due it being an area of outstanding natural beauty, where “the area should be conserved and enhanced,” pointing to the working West of England quarry just along the coast that does not have a fence, while the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit objected “in the strongest terms” and called for extra environmental information.

But planning officer Ellis Crompton-Brown said there was “limited” impact to the landscape and while the design appeared “unnatural” this could be improved by colouring the bare concrete posts.

He added: “There are no overriding reasons why this application should be refused on ecological grounds and there are no adverse impacts on the historic environment,” although he also said it was “acknowledged that the fence would result in landscape and visual harm to the area of outstanding natural beauty.”

Recommending conditional approval, he suggested that it be tied to the duration of the quarry permission, which expires in 2035, with the fence then removed if considered necessary.

“The applicant’s case for the need for a fence on health and safety grounds, given the proximity to the quarry workings and coastal footpath, is a compelling one,” he added.

In Coverack, Natalie Rawson has submitted outline plans for a two-bedroom house to be built on land off Mill Road, at Chymbloth Way.

The land has been seen by many a “natural progression” of the neighbouring churchyard, although this is not a planning consideration.

St Keverne Parish Council has asked that the application be rejected, describing the site as “totally inappropriate for development” due to access, with Chymbloth Way now containing 23 properties and it was “very dangerous trying to exit from there onto Mill Road due to the sharp hairpin bend.”

It also pointed out that 45 vehicles an hour were known to pass through Chymbloth Way, as opposed to the ten claimed in the application, and there was no pavement for pedestrians.

Former Cornwall councillor for the area Walter Sanger has spoken of “serious concerns” about the access being “so close to a blind and busy corner,” as well as how it would look so close to the churchyard and conservation area.

However, the highways development team at County Hall has not raised any objections, provided there was a condition stating that layby parking is provided for use by the occupants.

Planning officer Matthew Doble has stated that, subject to the details being agreed at a later stage, the development would “not adversely impact upon the character and appearance of the area” and would provide additional housing and a “small economic benefit.”

He did acknowledge: “The character of the area would alter through the erection of a dwelling on the site,” but said “on balance” it was considered acceptable, adding of the history of the site and the comments of the parish council that “none is of such significance” to outweigh approval being given.