Plans to locate three holiday pods on a site in Feock have been rejected by councillors who were concerned about the lack of transport options for guests.
A planning application had been submitted to Cornwall Council to place the two-bedroom pods on the land at Little Inside Farm in Feock.
Planning officers had recommended that the plans should be approved saying that it was part of an agricultural diversification scheme which would make a “positive contribution” to the area.
Under planning policy tourist accommodation scheme should be “an appropriate scale and have accessibility by a range of transport modes” – officers said that there was a bus stop just 70metres from the site which was served by a two-hourly bus to Truro.
However councillors decided to refuse planning permission stating that they were concerned that the development was in open countryside and that the public transport options were limited.
Feock Parish Council had objected to the scheme saying it was in open countryside and would increase “visual impact and potential noise pollution”.
Planning officers had said that they felt that the impact on the environment would be “limited” and that the site would be screened well from the road and footpaths by trees.
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Cornwall councillor Martyn Alvey said that he agreed with the parish council objection and said that he considered that the development would harm an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The development site is not within the AONB but is located close to its boundary.
He said that the bus service is “an infrequent daytime service into Truro” and said that there was a very limited number of transport options. He suggested that anyone using the site would have to rely on a car.
Cllr Alvey also said that there were limited footways and pavements on roads around the site and that visitors would have a “dangerous and unlit walk” to access local services.
Committee member John Fitter said there was a “danger of creeping urbanisation” and said he was concerned that the pods might eventually be used as residential homes.
Planning officers said that there would be conditions placed on any planning permission so that they could only be used as holiday lets.
Michael Bunney said that he was “not keen” on the application and suggested it would be better for the applicant to use some empty barns for holiday accommodation.
A proposal to refuse the application was approved with nine votes in favour and one against.
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