A “game-changing” development that could see as many as 500 houses built in the Glasney Valley was put before Penryn Town Council this week.

The proposal, from Walker Developments, would see 74 acres of land stretching from College Reservoir to Hillhead roundabout “brought forward” for development, with about 20 acres of open space gifted to the town.

Martin Lonsdale, architect of the scheme, was keen to emphasise the parkland element of the plans, which would increase public access to areas currently owned by Walker Developments.

A walkway stretching from Argal Reservoir to the town centre is envisaged, created in partnership with South West Lakes Trust and sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

Mr Lonsdale said: “I’m sure anybody who walks around those areas knows that, very attractive as it is, there are a number of informal routes that people use.

“We are trying to formalise those routes so you can access the land more freely.”

Richard Walker, of Walker Developments, added: “At the moment and historically, we have had a lot of issues with people not respecting the fact that it is private property – climbing over hedges and breaking down fences.

“The time has come for the valley to be supervised, so it can be made nice for people.”

The first phase of the plan, for 50 homes and 54 apartments at Kernick Park behind Asda, was granted planning permission in 2009 and work could begin on this site as early as July or August, Mr Walker said.

Phase two of the Kernick side of the development would see a further 60 homes built, in addition to a 60-bed hotel and a pub/restaurant.

At Hillhead, the developers are looking to build 300 houses on land north of the bypass, which would tie in with the “College Farm” proposals for 41 homes reported by the Packet in March.

Damien Burley, director of Walker Developments, said: “In terms of when it will start, we are here today just to present it.

“The next stage for us will be to hold a public consultation and I think that really will inform us as to what the feeling is locally and whether we should come forward with a planning application.”

The recently re-elected chair of the planning committee, Mark Snowdon, said: “It’s nice for you to be able to put your vision forward without us making any judgements or decision on it.

“The bypass has made a difference to the town on that side. To me, it’s a very large development and pretty much a game changer. It’s interesting, it’s nice to have ambitions, but at what cost to the people of the town?”

Mr Walker said: “Cornwall as a whole has to address this situation of providing houses for future generations. “There’s sensitivity in regards to that valley and the ancient woodland and we are trying to deal with that.

“But there’s a level of housing provision that’s been identified for Falmouth and Penryn and it’s just a case of where is it going to go?

“It’s almost a lesser of all the evils,” he added.