Mayor slams four-homes plan for the Gannel

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build four homes on the banks of the Gannel have been criticised after council chiefs described it as a "gross overdevelopment" of the site.

Developers Acorn applied to Cornwall Council for planning permission to build four detached dwellings on the site of one bungalow on Riverside Avenue, Pentire.

However, the plans were slammed by members of Newquay Town Council's planning committee on Monday, who objected to the application.

Cllr John Fitter, mayor of Newquay, said Acorn's plans were a "gross intrusion", feeling it was "urbanisation of a rural area".

"It is totally not in-keeping with the surrounding area," he added.

"This is a gross overdevelopment of the plot in a very sensitive area. I also have concerns over the use of Rubble Lane, as a means of access, when it is basically a public footpath."

Council's decision

The council also raised concerns over the strain the development could place on the existing sewage works.

The council's decision pleased several local residents, who spoke out against the plans at the meeting.

Diana Cunningham, a neighbour of the property in question, said: "If this application goes through, along with the proposed Corisande development, I would be swamped; totally surrounded.

"There is currently just one family dwelling on the site… to redevelop into four large homes is completely unacceptable.

"This would also set a precedent – all other developers are waiting to see what happens with this application."

Residents also raised concerns over increased traffic and the visual impact the large development would have on the Gannel.

Acorn's application comes after previous plans for 10 flats on the same site were rejected.

However, David Stein, regional operations director for Acorn said: "We are very disappointed that the application has not met with a positive decision and are particularly sorry that the local council has failed to recognise the extent of consultation and negotiation which has gone into this application.

"The current application is the result of numerous consultations with the local residents and the council planning department. It was clear from the response to our original scheme that apartments were not wanted in the area and houses would be preferable, hence our revised scheme for four houses.

"Given that Acorn are perhaps the only developer actually delivering completed sites in Newquay at present, with all the consequential benefits to the local economy of 106 payments, construction work, design fees, sales and letting fees and increased spending within the town generally, this frustration is likely to be felt by more than just our business."

● An online campaign group has been launched on social networking website Facebook, entitled Save The Gannel Estuary From Development. So far, more than 570 people have joined the group.