The Higher Trewhiddle development was dealt a blow on Monday evening when St Austell Town Council objected to an outline planning application on the grounds of a proposed change of use.  

Initial plans had suggested the estate would include a retail offer as well as housing, but 150 homes have since been proposed for land previously approved for a variety of commercial usages, taking the total number of homes up to 610. 

A lengthy discussion at Monday’s meeting saw councillors object due to the impact on the area’s infrastructure, including the extra burden on schools, doctors and dental surgeries in the town; and the cumulative impact on the air quality management area of St Austell, due to extra traffic.  

The vote follows comments by St Austell Chamber of Commerce chairman Dave Halton, who said he was “very disappointed” to see retail plans including a pub/restaurant, a small food store and a 60-bed hotel dropped from the plans.