Proposal for up to six affordable‑led homes in Ashton

A final decision is due to be taken by Cornwall Council's West Sub-Area Planning Committee today (Monday, March 30).

The application, submitted by Tim and Jeremy Boston under reference PA25/08905, seeks permission in principle for between one and six dwellings on part of a flat agricultural field off Hendra Lane, on land north of Hendra House.

The scheme is classed as affordable‑led, with at least 50 per cent of the homes expected to be affordable, subject to viability.

Google Maps image of Hendra Lane, Ashton (Image: Google Maps)

Cornwall Council’s case officer concluded that the site represents “a logical extension to the settlement” and that the scale of development is appropriate for Ashton.

In the report, the officer states: “Given the council’s current lack of a five‑year housing land supply, the presumption in favour of sustainable development applies and significant weight must be given to delivering new homes.”

Although Ashton has limited facilities, the report notes that the village “functions within a wider network” of nearby settlements including Breage, which has a primary school and shop, and that Ashton benefits from bus links to Helston and Penzance.

The application, submitted by Tim and Jeremy Boston under reference PA25/08905, seeks Permission in Principle for between one and six dwellings on part of a flat agricultural field off Hendra Lane. (Image: Peggy Rickaby)

The officer adds: “Overall, the proposal would contribute positively to housing supply and support the aims of Cornwall’s Housing Crisis Plan. There are no adverse impacts related to the principle of development which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

The application is therefore recommended for Approval of Permission in Principle.

However, Breage Parish Council voted not to support the application. In its formal response, the council said the scheme was “an unsuitable location, use of land and represents further over development in Ashton,” urging planners to consider Cornwall Local Plan policies 1, 2 and 9.

It also raised concerns about the narrowness of Hendra Lane, stating that: “Highways issues are clearly already an issue with existing traffic given the narrowness of the lane.”

The application has been brought before the West Sub‑Area Planning Committee at the request of the Electoral Division Member, Cllr Jay Hodgetts, who supports the parish council’s concerns.

Cornwall Council’s case officer, Jay Hodgetts, concluded that the site represents “a logical extension to the settlement” and that the scale of development is appropriate for Ashton. (Image: Peggy Rickaby)

In his statement, Cllr Hodgetts said: “Given the strength of public opinion and the stance taken by Breage Parish Council, I am afraid I agree with the parish council and their reasons for wishing this to be determined by planning committee.”

Cornwall Council’s Highways Officer raised no objections to the scheme. While a previous, similar application had been refused, the report notes that the applicants have provided additional information and that the authority would struggle to justify refusal on highway safety grounds.

The officer states that any harm would need to reach the threshold of “an unacceptable impact on highway safety” under paragraph 116 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Concerns about surface‑water flooding at the site entrance were acknowledged, but the report concludes that there is “a reasonable prospect” of resolving drainage issues at the later Technical Details stage.

If the scheme progresses, the indicative affordable housing mix would include two‑bed (four‑person), three‑bed (five‑person) and four‑bed (seven‑person) homes. At least 50 per cent of the dwellings would be affordable, with the remainder open market, subject to viability.

The application, originally due for decision on January, 20 2026, has an agreed extension of time until April 2, 2026. The West Sub‑Area Planning Committee will now determine whether to endorse the officer’s recommendation for approval.

Full documents can be viewed via Cornwall Council’s planning portal under reference PA25/08905.