PLANS to build houses on greenfield land at Holywell Bay have been refused following concerns the scheme represents inappropriate residential development.

Cornwall Council has turned down a planning application to construct up to three properties on a site southwest of Curlews as the proposal would result in an “unjustified” and “incongruous” extension of built form into the countryside.

Smart Bluefrog Planning Solutions on behalf of the applicant, argued the proposed homes will make a meaningful contribution to vitality of the village, supporting both social resilience and economic sustainability of the settlement.

But Cornwall Council concluded the proposed scheme would contribute to the “incremental urbanisation” and “erosion of land” that makes a positive contribution to the character and setting of Holywell.

It also raised concerns the housing scheme would have a potential to create further pressure for additional development.

Smart Bluefrog Planning Solutions stated: “The development represents organic, community-led growth consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

“The current proposal would respond to the housing crisis by increasing the supply of housing and enabling the delivery of the housing targets within the Cornwall Local Plan.

“The site is well located and positioned in relation to the settlement of Holywell and its built form. The site utilises an established access, is of modest proportions and shares affinity with neighbouring housing as built.”

But Cornwall Council’s refusal notice stated the development would fail to respect the pattern and character of the settlement and its rural context.

It added: “In the absence of any overriding justification for new open market housing in this countryside location, the proposal does not represent sustainable development.

“The adverse landscape and visual impacts, together with the unsustainable location of the site, are considered to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the limited benefits of delivering a small-scale open market housing scheme.”