In a submission to Caradon the South East Cornwall Environmental Trust argue the extra homes would massively increase traffic flows in Liskeard, and damage the chance to regenerate existing, historic properties, as property values react to the supply of new housing and warehouses. Members maintain new build developments on the edge of existing centres always encourage traffic growth, and only conversion of town centre facilities, such as using flats above shops, offers much chance of discouraging it.
Housing spokesman for the Trust, Lisa Wang, said: 'Caradon council's plans look like the most colourful suicide note in Cornwall's history - the council seems to have decided to destroy all the areas it represents in one mad planning stroke.' The Trust added it was disappointed to hear that the consultation process on the ten year plan was not expected to result in any changes to it.
Regarding Liskeard, members said the target of up to 1,500 homes is 'highly destructive' of its character and setting. They said they feel restriction of new builds in the town would encourage 'the conversion and saving of the old, and in many cases characteristically Cornish, housing stock - and conversions of some of the old industrial sites.'
They pointed out that sites near facilities such as the railway station, which are supposedly convenient for commuting, will not necessarily lead to a higher usage of public transport services, and added that 'indeed there is evidence to the contrary'. If more homes are built near the railway station they claim 'the approach to the town centre, along Station Road is, as noted in the report, likely to become even more congested than it is already.'