71 care flats near Cornwall beauty spot judged as 'vital' despite local fears
Cornwall Council applied for planning permission from itself to create the development on just over a hectare of land near Bodmin Beacon
Despite concerns among people living near one of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks that 71 apartments for the elderly could soon be built near it, a council meeting has heard that the extra care facility is desperately needed in the area.
Cornwall Council applied for planning permission from itself to create the development on just over a hectare of land near Bodmin Beacon.
The authority says the apartments, proposed for land south of Whitestone Road, Bodmin, are much-needed to tackle the increasing demand for housing for Cornwall’s ageing population.
However, those living nearby believe the location is wrong and fear being overlooked, the loss of a wildlife haven and flooding and traffic impacts.
The site is in close proximity to Bodmin Beacon nature reserve and the 144ft tall Gilbert Memorial, which can be seen for miles around.
There would be 41 parking spaces on the site, 36 of which would be for residents, staff and visitors. Five spaces for local residents are proposed at the site entrance to the development.
The council’s planning department recommended delegated approval with conditions, stating that there were no highways objections and overlooking and privacy issues were mitigated by layout, design and conditions.
However, local Liberal Democrat councillor Dan Rogerson brought the application before a strategic planning committee meeting today (Thursday, December 18) due to it being a Cornwall Council own proposal and objections received from the public.
Bodmin town councillor Pete Skea told the committee: “We have grave concerns about this site because when it rains it really floods there.
“This scheme is going to create up to 50 jobs and there are only currently 36 parking spaces planned on the site. We feel this is an oversight and the scheme doesn’t allow for any residents’ loved ones coming to visit them.
“We would be more in favour of this scheme if it was more in the main community of Bodmin. We feel it is stuck out on a limb.
“The people you will be hoping to attract are some of the most vulnerable people in society. We feel it is completely the wrong location.”
The meeting heard from a representative of the council that the development is one of a number of extra care housing schemes being rolled out by the authority, with similar proposals already approved in Liskeard and St Austell earlier this year.
The facilities provide care and support and allow over-55s to live independently for longer.
The committee was told that alternative sites in the Bodmin area could not be found for the size of proposal.
Cllr Rogerson told the meeting: “Any development of this size is obviously of concern to local residents – it’s a significant impact.”
He said residents had raised issues about the visual impact and flooding, as locals had experienced flooding of their gardens. He hoped any work on the development would also assist neighbouring properties when it comes to run-off.
“We have a huge need for this. We’re failing in our duty essentially to provide this type of housing in Cornwall and we need to provide it.”
He said parking was the main issue, but he couldn’t think of any other sites in Bodmin which would be any better for providing parking.
Committee chairman Cllr Chris Batters said: “I think this is an excellent site and I think people will be thrilled to bits who move in there because of the location. It covers everything except the parking, but you will have that issue wherever you go.”
He proposed approval, with the committee agreeing and voting unanimously in favour.