Decision on new affordable homes in Cornwall at St Agnes: refused

Westcountry Land (St Agnes) Ltd had applied to build 39 homes on land at Penwinnick Road, St Agnes in total, which would have included the affordable homes.

Cornwall Council’s central sub-area planning committee had been recommended to grant approval for the plans but instead voted unanimously to refuse permission.

Planning officers had explained that it was a rural exception site, which would only be allowed to be developed with an affordable housing led plan.

Councillors heard that there are currently 189 households in the St Agnes parish that need affordable housing.

St Agnes Parish Council had submitted a strong objection to the plans saying that the development was “not required” and that the village infrastructure would not be able to cope with more homes.

The parish council said that there was “inadequate affordable housing” being provided and that the development would impact the character of the village.

Parish councillor Jinny Clark said that the need to provide housing for local people was outweighed by the need to conserve the character of the village.

She said that the “vast majority” of people who had objected to the plans believed that the harm outweighed any benefits.

Photomontage showing how the proposed housing development in St Agnes could look

Cllr Clark said that the new homes would put pressure on amenities and infrastructure in the village including dentists, doctors, schools and roads.

She said that the parish council does respect the need for affordable homes but added: “We have a clear message from the community and the parish council – this development is not wanted.”

Cllr Clark also said that she did not believe that affordable housing was affordable for many people.

The applicant’s agent, Mr Sly, said that the developer had agreed to provide more affordable homes on the site after discussions with the council.

He said: “There is a substantial need for affordable housing here and Cornwall is in the grip of a housing crisis.”

Pete Mitchell, Cornwall councillor for St Agnes, did not attend the meeting but had a statement read to councillors saying he backed the objection from the parish council.

He said that people in St Agnes had seen the character of the village change after several housing developments were allowed.

“This proposed development is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I have not had anybody support it and literally hundreds have said that they are against it.”

Cllr Mitchell claimed that an affordable home had been built on a development in nearby Blackwater but nobody from St Agnes had bid for it and so it went to somebody from Truro. Officers were unable to confirm this claim.

Photomontage showing how the proposed housing development in St Agnes could look

Committee member Michael Bunney said that he was “struggling” with the application and said that if it had provided 100% affordable homes he would have been in favour of it.

He was concerned that at just 51% affordable homes it “only just” complied with council policy for a rural exception site.

Cllr Bunney also said that he did not believe that affordable homes are affordable and claimed that the affordable homes on this development could cost £500,000 and that affordable rents could be £1,200 a month. However none of this information had been provided to councillors and affordable housing officers were not able to confirm the figures.

Cllr Bunney proposed that the application should be refused on the grounds that it was in a World Heritage Site and the harm it could cause would outweigh the benefits of providing affordable homes.

He also said that the development did not have good access to public open space or amenities.

The committee voted unanimously in favour of refusal.