A bid to use cheaper stone to that originally approved for a new housing development has rocked the boat locally with both the area’s parish council and its representative on Cornwall Council feeling like they have been stonewalled by the local authority’s planning department.

Devonshire Homes was granted planning permission in 2019 to build 30 properties on land south of Coronation Cottages, Mabe Burnthouse, near Penryn. The company has now applied to amend the agreement so that 14 of the houses are built using reconstituted stone rather than the previously agreed natural stone.

Cllr Anna Thomason-Kenyon, who represents Constantine, Mabe and Mawnan as part of the new Cornish Independent Non-aligned Group after resigning from Reform UK last week, is against the move, believing using the cheaper stone will undermine “high-quality design principles” laid out in planning policy. Mabe Parish Council agrees.

However, Cornwall Council’s planning department is recommending delegated approval of the change, stating: “The proposed reconstituted stone is similar in its appearance to the natural stone most commonly found on other buildings in the locality (i.e. granite) and therefore it is considered that local distinctiveness is maintained.

The proposed change from natural stone to reconstituted stone is considered to be appropriate having regard to the local character. It is not considered that the proposed change would diminish the quality of the approved development to any material degree that would justify refusal.”

No comments have been received from members of the public. However, Mabe Parish Council said: “The planning application is contrary to the national Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) under the principle of sustainable development. It has no social, economic or environmental value to the community. The adverse impact clearly and demonstratively outweighs the benefit.

“The Mabe Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) is extant and carries the most weight, therefore contrary to policy in that, removal of natural exterior finishes detracts from the character and historic environment and does not fit the local vernacular through the use of un-natural materials. It is in an elevated and highly visible site located within a protected area of Mabe.”

Cllr Thomason-Kenyon said: “I wish to raise a formal objection to the developer’s substitution of reconstituted stone in place of the locally sourced natural stone originally approved. The use of natural stone was a key factor in the approval of the development, reflecting Cornwall’s rich architectural heritage and ensuring the scheme would harmonise with its surroundings.

“Reconstituted stone, while cheaper, lacks the authenticity, texture, and visual integrity of natural stone. Its use undermines the high-quality design principles set out in the Cornwall Local Plan.”

A decision will be made by Cornwall Council’s west area planning committee on Monday, November 10.