A TOTAL of 33 objections were not enough to stop a development in Wadebridge from being approved by Cornwall Council’s planning department as the expansion of the town sees another large development given the green light.

It was an outline application for a proposed development of up to 30 new dwellings, which would include 30 per cent affordable homes alongside landscaping and site infrastructure on land at Trevanion Road in Wadebridge.

The plans were a resubmission of a proposal that had been filed in 2023 and later withdrawn by the applicant.

The applicant’s planning agent told Cornwall Council: “This outline application with all matters reserved except the access, and seeks permission for up to 30 new dwellings (including 30 per cent affordable housing) with associated landscaping and site infrastructure.

“The proposed development of the 1.57 hectare site is at a maximum gross density of 19 dwelling per hectare (dph) and a net density excluding roads, footpath, public open space and ecology buffer of 33 dph including a range of dwelling types of 2 and 2.5 storeys (room in roof).

“The illustrative site plan shows a provision of 1124sqm of Public Open Space, the use of which has not yet been defined. Ecological mitigation has been considered and the illustrative master plan has been influenced with a series of verges and margins to offer an ecological buffer zone along all the boundary hedges.

“The dwellings would be accessed from Treneague Park and each dwelling would have off-street or designated parking within small parking courts. The scheme, as shown on the illustrative masterplan would accommodate up to 30 dwellings (including 30 per cent affordable housing).

“Whilst indicative at this stage, the scheme demonstrates that a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bed units could be provided. As drawn, the scheme provides 4 x 1 bed, 7 x 2 bed, 10 x 3 bed and 9 x 4 bed dwellings. All dwellings will be provided with parking, either in the form of an integral garage, a standalone garage unit or a parking spaces.

“Each property will benefit from its own private garden, and in addition to this approximately 1124sqm of open space could be provided within the scheme.”

It is anticipated that the nine affordable dwellings of the total development could comprise of five social rented dwellings, namely two 1.5-bed maisonettes, one two bed house, one two-bed bungalow and one four-bed house.

There would also be four properties for shared ownership, specifically two two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses.

Residents have raised a number of objections to the proposed development, citing concerns over highway safety and access, with increased traffic and construction vehicles potentially overwhelming the existing road infrastructure and posing risks to pedestrians.

They also highlighted the lack of a suitable footpath into town, as well as potential impacts on local ecology, including bats, and the permanent loss of agricultural land.

Other concerns include increased surface water runoff, the effect on the character of the local community and the loss of a well-used public footpath for dog walking and recreation.

Wadebridge Town Council had initially objected to the proposals but after being reassured over its concerns, changed its position. It told Cornwall Council: “Wadebridge Town Council previously objected to PA24/07405 over pedestrian safety concerns in Trevanion Road, and a dispute by neighbours who claimed the Applicant did not possess right of way at the entrance.

“We note that the land ownership/rights of way issue has been addressed. At the 5 August East Sub Area Planning Committee meeting for PA26/00916 (92 dwellings Land South of Cleavelands) assurances were made and acceptance by Cornwall Council about pedestrian safety in Trevanion Road.

“We note the Planning Officers assurances for this Application that footway improvements will be delivered for either or both developments before first occupation. We therefore support Option 1 (Agree with Proposal).”

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Cornwall Council approved the scheme subject to conditions.