PLANS to build a housing scheme on the outskirts of Holywell Bay have been refused following concerns the development would be an an “undesirable” extension to the village.

Cornwall Council has rejected a planning application to construct up to seven dwellings on land south of Curlews.

The decision notice stated the proposed scheme located outside of the settlement represents an “incongruous pocket” of development into the countryside to the detriment of landscape character.

Montagu Town Planning Limited on behalf of developer Bazeley Construction Ltd, stated occupants in the houses would be able to walk along the existing tarmacked pavement to the village.

But Cubert Parish Council “strongly” objected to the scheme following concerns there would be no safe pedestrian route to the village.

Montagu Town Planning Limited stated in the planning application, said: “The site, which forms part of an agricultural field on the edge of the village, measures some 2,174 square metres in extent and is located on the western side of the Holywell Road in between the entrance to the Holywell Bay Holiday Park, located to the south, and the dwellings at Curlews, located to the north.

“Whilst the site is located on the other side of the road from the majority of the village, the occupants of the dwellings on the same side of the road as the site are nevertheless able to walk along the existing tarmacked pavement, which extends along the eastern side of Holywell Road, into village.

“This pavement provides safe and dedicated access to pedestrians walking to the village and as a result of the street lights present along this part of Holywell Road, these pedestrians can use this pavement during the night as well.

“The site is part of the developed part of the settlement. The scale of the proposed development is suitable considering the adjoining developed context.

“The site will provide safe access to the highway network as well as providing safe access to other modes of transport; due to the scale and massing of the proposal together with the fact that the adjoining residential development screens the site, the proposal will have a limited impact visual and landscape impact.

“Furthermore, the site is not located in a conservation area, nor are there any listed buildings located in close proximity to the site, the setting of which could be adversely impacted by the proposal.”

Cubert Parish Council said: “There are a number of inaccuracies in the planning statement.

“There is no safe pedestrian route to the village. The pavement they quote does not exist. The plot cannot be considered as rounding off and this has already been ruled on by the Planning Inspectorate at appeal.

“The plot is not substantially enclosed and does extend building into the open countryside. This should therefore only be considered as a rural exception site and include at least 50 per cent affordable housing.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “The proposal does not represent sustainable development and would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area leading to harm which would not be outweighed by any overriding public benefit.”