Concerns at plan for 71 flats near Bodmin Beacon in Cornwall

Cornwall Council has applied for planning permission from itself, to create the extra care development on just over a hectare of land near Bodmin Beacon.

The authority says the flats, proposed for land south of Whitestone Road, Bodmin, are much-needed to tackle the increasing demand for housing for Cornwall’s ageing population.

However, those living nearby believe the location is wrong and fear being overlooked, the loss of a wildlife haven and flooding and traffic impacts.

The council submitted an outline planning application earlier this year for the extra care residential scheme on a site which is in close proximity to Bodmin Beacon nature reserve and the 144ft tall Gilbert Memorial, which can be seen for miles around.

The proposed site and its proximity to the Bodmin Beacon monument (Pic: Cornwall Environmental Consultants)(Image: )

A planning statement by Trewin Design Architects on behalf of the council said: “This extra care scheme will provide new housing in a well-connected and sustainable location, contributing to Cornwall Council’s goal of meeting local housing needs and supporting the district’s overall provision of extra care facilities.

"Extra care homes are essential in Cornwall due to the county’s ageing population and the growing demand for specialised housing and support.”

The planning statement admits that the site’s location near residential dwellings “introduces potential overlooking concerns, both into and from neighbouring properties in particular to the western boundary. Privacy will need to be carefully managed through thoughtful orientation, strategic window placement, and possibly the inclusion of screening or landscape buffers to minimise any visual intrusion”.

Bodmin Town Council has previously voted not to support the application. It noted: “After taking into consideration the concerns of both councillors and the public regarding drainage, traffic and parking, etc, we do not believe the location is suitable.

"We do recognise the huge need for a scheme of this type and would be very happy to consider again if the scheme could be brought to a more suitable location that is closer to the town.”

One resident, whose property would back on to the proposed development if it is approved, said of the plan: “Every day those fields are used by dog walkers, families and children walking to school – it’s an extension of The Beacon, a nature reserve.

“When we attended the consultation we were told that the field failed tests for drainage and that as part of this project there would be large ponds acting as soakaways – what will happen when we get heavy rain fall and they can’t cope?

"Our gardens and properties already flood from the run-off in bad weather so I fear this could cause a greater and more regular flood risk for Foster Drive as it’ll run off into our garden and properties – this or any development is going to make this worse.”

How the 71-apartment development could look near Bodmin Beacon (Pic: Trewin Design Architects)(Image: )

She added: “I’m worried about overlooking as these properties will be higher than ours and at the consultation they said there will be roof-top gardens and social areas so there will be overlooking and risk of noise and light pollution. This will not only affect residents but all the wildlife that live in the surrounding fields.

“I do not think this is the correct piece of land for any development – it should remain as a tranquil green space and a continuation of The Beacon as it has been for generations. An extra care facility like this needs to be located closer to amenities like GPs and shops like pharmacies so people can live as independently as they can. Not at the end of a rat run where they are going to be isolated.”

A number of other residents in the area have also lodged concerns on the council’s planning portal. Here are just some of their comments:

• “This land is a nature reserve therefore it should not be used for building. It is an area that locals enjoy. It is an area that is alive with wildlife. The traffic on Whitestone Road is increasingly busy and already used as a racetrack.”
• “Bodmin Beacon green space supports a diverse range of local wildlife and development would mean the destruction of their habitat, significantly upsetting the natural balance of the environment. In addition, the area already suffers from parking shortages and increasing traffic congestion. Adding more homes would only make daily life more difficult for residents who are already dealing with these issues.”
• “Why would you ever want to build on such a beautiful area? It’s essential for dog walkers, families and, most importantly, the wildlife. Are you actually aware of the many many different types of wildlife we have here? Birds nesting, bats, lizards and many types of insects. Also why would you build a three-storey monstrosity when there are plenty of empty buildings available which are closer to facilities that the elderly are going to need?”
• “I urge the council to reject this application and seek alternative, more suitable locations for extra care housing. The field is a community asset, providing green space for families, dog walkers and wildlife. Its loss would be deeply felt by local residents.”

It is understood that the application will be discussed by a council planning committee in the coming weeks. For more details of the plans see the council’s website planning portal, reference PA25/01930