A famous seaside town in the UK is engulfed in war as locals are up in arms against the huge plans by a developer. Hundreds of locals in Cornwall are fighting against the plans to build over 300 new homes in Penzance.
Many have signed petitions worried that the use of a public road by the developers will lead to “havoc and stress” for residents, reported Cornwall Live.
Devonshire Homes has submitted a proposal to construct 320 homes, including associated infrastructure such as roads, parking, cycleways, and pavements, on Trannack Farm near Heamoor, off the A30.
The application is scheduled for review by the Cornwall Council planning committee on Monday (February 5). Within the proposed development, 30 percent of the homes (96 properties) are designated as affordable housing.
Although the development has received a recommendation for approval, local council member Cllr Andrew George, aligned with Penzance Town Council’s opposition, has brought the proposal to the committee’s attention.
The primary vehicular access, previously approved despite strong opposition, is complemented by proposed emergency access to Polmennor Road, serving 29 dwellings temporarily.
Planning officer Peter Bainbridge acknowledges that this approach conflicts with council policy but deems it “not considered significant.”
The road would also accommodate construction traffic.
However, Penzance Town Council, two parish councils, and numerous local residents perceive this access as significant.
Penzance Town Council’s objections include concerns about the “lack of safe access” via Polmennor Road, overcrowding on the site, and the “overbearing nature” of the development.
Madron Parish Council shares reservations about the road, emphasizing that the main access for several proposed houses, originally presented as a ‘secondary access,’ is, in fact, the only vehicular access.
The council also notes a perceived effort by the applicants to downplay the importance of the Polmennor Road access.
St Erth Parish Council expressed worries that the proposed access will lead to a “substantial increase in traffic congestion with broader implications beyond the Penzance area.”
