A government inspector allowed 50 homes in St Austell after the council opposed. Concerns over loss of farmland fueled local anger.
The committee voted against it unanimously. They cited loss of farmland as a reason, and the impact on the character of the area. The plan affected a green space, separating St Austell from Carlyon Bay.
AJC Architecture submitted the application with Ruth Allen as the applicant. The town needed 940 homes at the time. The town council and around seventy residents objected, sharing concerns.
Alison Fish is the planning inspector. She visited the site in November and now allows the fifty houses. She agrees the land is Grade 3a farmland, classifying it as “best and most versatile.”
The inspector says homes are needed, which she thinks boosts housing supply. Furthermore, affordable homes are part of the plan, and building creates economic benefits. She gave these benefits weight.
Jordan Rowse, a Cornwall Councillor, has fought this plan for residents. He expressed huge disappointment with the result and feels it’s a frustrating process.
Rowse questioned the inspector’s decision, asking how one person can overturn a council vote. He supports needed housing but opposes poor developments in bad places.
Rowse emphasized the loss of farmland, which was the last farmed field in St Austell. He said the land meant a lot to many locals, adding that farmers are already struggling enough.
Rowse worked with residents to fight the plan, getting the town and council to refuse it. He believes this should have been enough, but a government department overruled locals.
Rowse believes the government is too permissive and thinks inspectors approve housing everywhere. He said concerns are not considered, then he criticized the local MP for a lack of support.
Rowse stated the MP didn’t offer support, even after being asked to get involved. He noted that Cornish MPs usually stand against this and wanted the MP to speak to the Housing Minister.
Rowse said decisions must be made in Cornwall, and the government must listen to locals. He noted that new housing targets are coming and Cornwall needs to decide where to build.
James Mustoe, a councillor nearby, is also upset by this decision. He thinks it marks a “sad day for democracy.” He spoke against the plan last year, saying the homes were unneeded.
He was concerned about flooding and thought the area was already overdeveloped. Mustoe fears more of this will happen.
He cited new housing targets as a factor and mentioned a central directive to “build, build, build.” Noah Law is the local MP. He called Rowse’s comments silly.
Law said MPs do not usually get involved, then mentioned Rowse’s election campaign. Law said few people contacted him directly, recognizing local feelings, though other developments generated more contact.
