Developers appeal against refusal of Bickland industrial development
3:40pm Thursday 17th May 2012 in Falmouth/Penryn
By Greg Fountain, Reporter/Photographer
The developers behind controversial plans to extend the Rowe’s pasty factory on Bickland Water Road have appealed against the plans’ refusal.
Midas Commercial Developments Limited lodged the appeal with the planning inspectorate on April 30, which is now in the process of collecting interested party comments and statements.
The proposed extension to Bickland Industrial Park would see 12 hybrid office/industrial units built alongside the factory extension.
Cornwall Council rejected the planning application for the second time in March, on the grounds that it would result in the loss of the “best and most versatile agricultural land” and that there was “insufficient justification” of the need for industrial units.
The council was also concerned about “the loss of a green area that acts as a visual break” between Falmouth and Budock Water.
Councillor John Bastin, the chair of Budock Parish Council, said in a personal statement: “I don't understand why they have appealed when the climate for development has got even worse and there are even more vacant sites in the Falmouth and Penryn area.
“The demise of 'Ward Vauxhall' for example has left behind a very big unit and the bottom line is that the loss of grade two agricultural land and loss of the green belt is not acceptable to the people of Budock and Falmouth.
“The resistance will continue - when will the developers listen to this?” he asked.
All statements and interested party comments must be received by the planning inspectorate on June 11.
For more information, or to make a comment, Packet readers can visit the planning inspectorate website at http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/ViewCase.asp?caseid=2172374&coid=2105472
