Developers want to begin work on the next stage of building at a large new housing estate on the outskirts of Helston.

Robertson Developments Limited has applied for planning permission to build the next 68 homes at Park an Daras, being built on what is known as the HX1 site, between Gwealdues and Trewennack.

Permission for up to 340 homes was originally granted on appeal, back in August 2015, with the the number extended to 450 homes the following year. The plans also included a building for the use as offices and a medical practice.

Work began on the site in autumn 2017 on the first 99 homes, in the second phase of development after the construction of the site access.

Now agents D2 Planning Limited have set out details for the intended third phase, for the next 68 homes out of the total.

They said: "This application represents the next phase of development on the site and enables the applicant to continue building without having to stop or relocate their plant and equipment.

"The proposal provides for 68 dwellings, 17 of which are affordable and 51 being for open market sale."

They went on to add that the original planning permission specified that 30 per cent of the housing within the overall scheme must be classed as 'affordable'.

However, the agents said it did not specify that this had to be provided equally within each phase of development.

The 17 affordable dwellings in this phase equated to 25 per cent affordable housing, with D2 Planning adding: "The shortfall would be made up on subsequent phases of the development."

This phase would see 12 different styles of house built, with a mixture of bungalows and two-storey homes.

The agents concluded: "The delivery of these houses will meet an ongoing need for residential properties in Helston, as well as provide a range of the benefits including continued employment for local constructions works."

There have been three public letters of objection sent to Cornwall Council, with Wendron Parish Council also raising concerns over the reduced affordable housing element. 

The council said: "Wendron Parish Council notes with some alarm that this proposal only includes 17 affordable homes, four short of the negotiated - and, from the point of view of the developer, very accommodating - percentage number. 
"There is no guarantee that the development as a whole will be completed and in these circumstances the parish council would much prefer the planning authority to insist on the agreed percentage for each phase. 

"If that particular aspect of this phase can be addressed, Wendron Parish Council will support the application."

Cornwall Council has yet to make a decision.