LISKEARD Town Council has thrown its weight behind residents fighting plans for 41 new homes on the edge of the town – warning the scheme would harm the countryside, worsen traffic problems and put highway safety at risk.

Councillors formally objected to the proposal after hearing concerns from 18 residents of Trevillis Park and Joan Moffat Close at their latest planning committee meeting.

The application, submitted by Acquiro SW Ltd, seeks permission in principle for 41 homes, including 25 per cent affordable housing and open space, on land South East of Trevillis Park.

Residents told councillors Trevillis Park was built in the 1960s, when car ownership was considerably lower, and is already under pressure from parked vehicles. They said cars are regularly parked on both sides of the road, particularly in the evenings, potentially restricting emergency vehicle access and creating safety concerns.

Residents also warned adding 41 homes would generate significantly more traffic on steep and narrow roads, with narrow footways in places.

Concerns were raised about the accuracy of road-width measurements shown on the plans, while residents also pointed to the removal of part of a hedge bank.

The proposed development’s distance from Liskeard’s facilities was another major concern, with residents arguing it would encourage reliance on private cars rather than walking, cycling and public transport.

Councillors shared many of the concerns raised by residents.

The committee said the site is currently open agricultural land outside the existing town and warned development would damage the character and appearance of the area.

Joan Moffat Close currently forms a projection into the countryside, councillors said, and the development would significantly increase that intrusion and erode the rural character of Liskeard’s edge.

The steeply sloping site could also require engineering works, potentially creating further intrusion into the countryside.

Councillors highlighted the visibility of the site from several public viewpoints, including the rural road towards Lametton Mill, a nearby public footpath and the main railway line into Liskeard.

Highway safety was another key issue. The council said access through Trevillis Park and Joan Moffat Close is constrained by narrow, steep roads, poor visibility and parked cars.

It warned drivers may have to reverse when meeting oncoming traffic, potentially creating dangerous situations and tensions between residents and motorists.

Councillors also raised concerns about increased parking demand, particularly as more families are living in multi-generational households because younger people struggle to afford homes.

The committee concluded that the proposal would not provide a satisfactory quality of development and would be unsustainable.

Councillor Simon Cassidy proposed the objection, seconded by Councillor Naomi Taylor.

The committee unanimously resolved to object, stating the scheme conflicts with several Cornwall Local Plan policies covering the role of settlements, countryside housing, design and the natural environment.

The council said the development would be detrimental to the area’s character, have constrained vehicle access and fail to provide a sustainable form of development.

The decision comes after residents urged Cornwall Council to listen to the strength of local opposition to the plans.