he verdict on a controversial 340-home housing plan for the north of Helston may be decided out of county after Cornwall Council was unable to make a decision in the allotted time.

This was revealed at a public meeting held at Helston Community College last Thursday, when between 50 and 60 people turned out in near freezing temperatures to have their say on plans for the proposed “HX1” site west of Trewennack.

Jackamax Ltd has applied for outline permission to build up to 340 homes, plus a medical centre and offices, on the land on the outskirts of Helston.

Case officer Peter Bainbridge, from Cornwall Council’s planning department, said that as councillors had been unable to come to a decision by the deadline of November 7, due to the complexities of the case, the applicant had lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, who would decide the outcome.

In the meantime, Jackamax has also |re-submitted an identical application for the site.

This effectively means that should Cornwall Council wish to support the plans it is easier for the Jackamax |to withdraw its appeal and permission |be granted.

However, should councillors want permission to be refused the appeal |the appeal can still stand and the Planning Inspectorate will continue |with their decision.

Residents were warned they would need to write a new letter to give their views again, by December 17, as previously submitted comments would not be transferred.

The public meeting was to allow planning committee members to hear the views of residents in the area, as they will still need to give a recommendation to the Secretary of State regardless of what happens with the appeal.

Over the course of an hour a number of people spoke, many of them neighbours to the site or living nearby.

They reiterated concerns previously raised at a meeting of Helston Town Council, including potential issues over flooding, which was mentioned on more than one occasion.

Barry Julian, from Manor Way, said a river ran along the back of his house and two 12 inch pipes had already had to be added because homes were being flooded – and he feared the development would make the situation worse.

“I feel it’s going to be a danger to children. I feel also it’s going to lower the price of our properties and [affect] the insurance as well – it’s going to be a great risk to us.”

The speakers were not convinced by a proposed flood alleviation scheme involving large “pools” that would fill with water.

Ray Spencer was concerned that 340 homes would be 600 or so extra people looking for work and if they had to look out of town this would exacerbate an already busy road.

A number of people also spoke of their preference for an alternative site, known as HX2, near to Helston Business Park, which another developer has shown an interest on building homes on.

The councillors were unable to speak at the meeting but will debate the application on December 18.