There’s growing opposition to plans by controversial Cornish developers Stephens & Stephens to demolish a riverside bungalow and replace it with three two-storey houses in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

A number of residents are concerned about the development being an “eyesore” and its impact on wildlife on the river. Riverbank, which is part of the Stephens & Stephens group, has applied to build the houses on land at Tresillian.

The revised planning application follows the withdrawal of three earlier submissions by the developer for houses on the site, which sits between the main A390 road through the village – between Truro and St Austell – and the Tresillian river.

An earlier application for three-storey homes was dubbed a “disgrace” by concerned residents, while this new revised version has also been slammed as has the developer behind it.

A sign put up by objectors outside the bungalow.
A sign put up by objectors outside the bungalow (LDRS)

A previous Stephens & Stephens company and its director Paul Stephens pleaded guilty last year to offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 with regards to the safe disposal of asbestos in connection with their Cliff Edge project on Narrowcliff, Newquay. The now liquidated Stephens & Stephens Developers Ltd went under owing a number of contractors money, leaving many on the edge of bankruptcy.

A statement by Cornwall Planning Group on behalf of the developer states: “The site is positioned towards the edge, but within, the settlement of Tresillian and the replacement of the existing property will enable for a more efficient use of the site to accommodate three dwellings, which are reflective of the scale and nature of development within the surrounding area.”

The site falls just within the south coast central section of the Cornwall National Landscape – previously known as the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). The statement adds: “We submit that whilst the site falls within the AONB, due to its existing built form characteristics and positioning within the settlement, it does not particularly contribute to the natural beauty of the AONB designation.”

Since the proposal was submitted on July 10, 17 comments have been added to Cornwall Council’s planning portal, all in opposition, while a poster has been stuck on a hoarding in front of the bungalow urging people to “please object”.

The bungalow sits on the bank of the Tresillian river in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The bungalow sits on the bank of the Tresillian river in an area of outstanding natural beauty (LDRS)

Comments against the development include: “The beauty of our incredible village will be completely changed should this development go ahead and the impact on the reed beds and local wildlife does not bear thinking about. The footpath adjacent to the property is regularly used by locals and visitors alike all year round and disruption to the freedom we have to walk that path will be immense and possibly long lasting. To allow this development would go against everything we all love about Tresillian. Disruption to us as people is one thing, disruption and damage to wildlife in an area of outstanding beauty unforgivable.”

“So the plans have been submitted again by the same property developers who have a proven record of disregard for both the environment and health and safety regulations, not to mention a questionable lack of empathy for both their contractors and the community. Similar designs as before so no due care and attention to the needs of the village, once again overlooking the fact that it is an area of outstanding natural beauty, a very busy main road into Truro and accident hotspot.”

“This new application (fourth one so far for this property by Stephens & Stephens) is not in keeping with the area or surrounding properties, and will have a negative impact on the area. This is an overdevelopment, which will damage the AONB, SSSI [site of special scientific interest], nature and the environment. The proposed buildings are much larger than the existing building – replacing a single bungalow with three two-storey houses will crowd the area, block views to the river and be a distraction for passing motorists on what is already a dangerous stretch of road.”

The planning notice for the contentious proposal to replace the riverside bungalow with three houses.
The planning notice for the contentious proposal to replace the riverside bungalow with three houses (LDRS)

“Allowing such a development by such an unethical firm would be a travesty. Such properties are not aimed at local residents, as they will be well outside an average family’s budget.”

“This is clearly an overdevelopment – any new building should be like for like. Such a large development will be an eyesore, block views to the river and dwarf the property currently being built next door.”

A decision has not yet been made as to whether the application will be decided by Cornwall Council’s planning department or by councillors at a public planning committee meeting.

For more details of the application see PA25/04683 on the council website at https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SY5TFLFGKTY00