Concerns over 1,700 homes

THREE hundred new jobs and 1,700 new homes have been earmarked for the Wadebridge and Padstow area over the next 20 years under Cornwall Council's local framework plan.

In Wadebridge, Cornwall councillor Scott Mann believes there needs to be an emphasis on building new homes local people can afford.

He also said the town was well placed to take advantage of new job opportunities within "green'' technology, with the Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network (WREN) possibly leading the way.

Mr Mann said: "The housing allocation must address the need for affordable homes in Wadebridge. I would have liked to see 40 per cent of the allocation falling under that criteria within the local framework.

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"I am also very keen on seeing pressure put on housing developers to employ local tradesmen to build these homes.

"Wadebridge is ideally placed to attract new businesses, including providing a manufacturing base in green technology.

"In a few years' time, councils will be able to determine business rates, and I would like to see them reduced in the Wadebridge area," said Mr Mann.

Cornwall councillor for Padstow and St Merryn, Stephen Rushworth, felt although local housing need had been addressed, his area could see more housing development than planned.

"Padstow and St Merryn are both vulnerable to second home purchasers and the 20-year housing numbers imposed in the new Cornwall Development Plan are rightly estimated to satisfying local need.

"With the competing second home market, the numbers allocated for our area could easily be reached (within a few years).

"Developers can then challenge the planning officers basing their argument on the Cornwall five-year land supply.

"With large numbers of housing allocated for all of the Cornish towns, which in my opinion will not be delivered, coastal areas are then more vulnerable to higher numbers than the planners are telling us.

"It is for this reason that I voted for the Mebyon Kernow and Conservative amendment for a reduction of 7,000 less than the officers were recommending," he said.