A controversial housing development which has faced strong opposition from people living near the site has been recommended for approval.

Planning permission has already been granted for 33 homes to be built on land in Church Road, Illogan, but a new application for the design and appearance of the development is set to be decided next week.

Planning officers have recommended that Cornwall Council’s west sub-area planning committee should approve the plans when it meets on Monday (September 23).

The development has proved controversial among local people who claim that it will harm the area.

The site was formerly owned by the church but was sold to Coastline Housing after planning permission was granted for the development.

Coastline wants to build 33 homes which will all be affordable – they include 31 houses and two flats.

A total of 23 of the new homes, 70 per cent, would be available for affordable rent and the other 10 for shared ownership.

Planning officers say that with a need for affordable homes in the area the benefits of the scheme outweigh any harm.

However the plans have not been supported by Illogan Parish Council which says it “strongly objects” to the proposals.

The council stated: “Illogan Parish Council unanimously voted to strongly object to the reserved matters application for land at Church Road as the current proposed block layout offers a very stark and unattractive face to the main road, local residents and the wider community.

“The open amenity space provided is tucked away on the interior of the development and as such is totally insufficient to address the concerns of local residents as raised at both the pre-application presentation and the subsequent public consultation.

“The council are unhappy with how the development presents itself to Manningham Woods with the houses pushed up against it; it will completely change the area especially when walking the footpath or in the woods.

“The bright white render is out of keeping with the area, it will cause the development to stand out like a sore thumb and will dominate the village. The render needs to be done in muted colours with slate roofs as the development is on high ground with limited greenery around it.

“The proposals fail on the aspect of visual amenity, this failure threatens to be un-neighbourly. It is very important that the site looks as green as possible from all aspects and reflects the local vernacular and therefore the council feel that additional trees should be planted throughout the development.”

David Ekinsmyth, Cornwall councillor for the area, says he agrees “in large part” with the parish council’s comments.

Coastline Housing said it had held a number of meetings with Cllr Ekinsmyth, Illogan Parish Council and held a public consultation event about the plans.

It said it had made a number of alterations to the original plans in response to the concerns which had been made by those who took part in the meetings.

The west sub-area planning committee will meet in Camborne to decide on the application.