'We don't want affordable homes here,' Duke to be told

RESIDENTS in a Liskeard private estate are hoping for the support of the Duke of Cornwall to help block plans to build affordable homes at the end of their road.

Dozens of people living in Trevillis Park have joined forces to fight the proposals for 10 affordable homes on a piece of neighbouring greenbelt land.

Campaigners said the access to the site is narrow and steep and has been used in the past as a turning bay.

They are also concerned about the affect the development will have on the unadopted drainage system which they pay to maintain.

Ron Bennett, who has lived on the estate for 21 years and was head teacher of St Martin's School, Liskeard, said: "The estate has about 83 homes and the majority of people are against the plans.

"This is a very peaceful valley. We've met with councillor Mike George and town councillor Roger Holmes separately and both expressed their sympathy with our situation. We are still in the process of writing letters and making our views heard."

Residents have written to Cornwall Council to express their opposition both individually and collectively.

They are also writing to HRH Prince Charles as the Duchy of Cornwall's offices are on the edge of the estate.

Liskeard Town Council has already supported the plans as they are in line with government policy.

Nigel Collins, who also lives on the estate, said: "The access point of view is diabolical. It is very narrow and is currently used as a turning bay. The estate was built 40 years ago and wasn't built with the point of view of being extended."

Mr Collins said many commuters park their car in the estate to avoid paying charges at the nearby train station. There is also concern the proposed development could be extended in future.

The development site is currently used as agricultural land, and the proposed two and three-bedroom homes would be for social rent and shared ownership under the intermediate housing scheme.

Roger and Haynes Architects, agents for the developers TAN Properties Ltd, said: "The proposed development of 10 affordable/local needs dwellings has been prepared in discussion with the housing department at Cornwall Council and the highways officer of Cornwall (County) Council.

"The proposed access to the site has been designed by a very experienced highways consultant, Peter Brett Associates, in close consultation with the highways department.

"We understand that there are no technical objections to the proposed access.

"South West Water have confirmed, in writing, that the new development will connect into the existing adopted foul sewer to the north of the development site and not into any private sewer that may be maintained by third parties.

"The proposals are still being considered by the planning department at Cornwall Council."

The decision by Cornwall Council planning officers will be made by September.