Plans to build accommodation for 89 nurses, students and key workers in Truro have been recommended for approval.

A planning application to build three accommodation blocks on a site next to Truro College is set to go before Cornwall Council’s central sub-area planning committee on Monday.

Planning officers have recommended that the application should be granted, but there have been a number of objections from local people and the local Cornwall councillor.

The main concern is about parking in the area as the development is only set to have 15 car parking spaces.

Local Cornwall councillor David Harris said in his comments: “I am not persuaded that it is possible to stop tenants 'possessing' cars and parking around that area is already a nightmare for residents.”

Other objectors have highlighted that a parking permit system operates in the area and suggested that a new area would have to be provided for the proposed development.

Kenwyn Parish Council has also objected saying that the building would be “constructed of cheap, outdated materials”.

The parish council added: “The design of the building is not aesthetically pleasing in any way given its location at the gateway to Truro.”

Falmouth Packet:

3D image of the planned student and nurse accommodation blocks in Truro

They also suggested that the number of blocks should be reduced: “There should be two blocks of flats and not three as the site is not big enough to accommodate the third. Two blocks would leave sufficient room for extra outside green space and on-site car parking.”

Planning officers state in their report that the number of parking spaces proposed is acceptable as there are good public transport links in the area due to the close proximity of the college and Royal Cornwall Hospital.

In addition the applicants have proposed cycle parking for residents, including e-bikes, as well as setting up a car share club.

Planning officers said that by providing accommodation for nurses and students the development should be supported.

They state: “Such provision reduces reliance on existing housing stock in the community by students and in this instance key workers at the hospital and NHS.”

Under the plans the accommodation blocks would have shared gardens and seating areas for residents.

Devon and Cornwall Police said that additional officers would need to be employed as a result of the proposed development combined with other developments in the area.

They said that the developer should provide more than £20,000 to help with the provision of extra staff.

The central sub-area planning committee is set to meet on Monday at County Hall to make a decision on the application.