MORE than 200 Saltash people packed a public meeting about the plans for the major development at Broadmoor Farm.

At Tuesday night's debate there were some heated exchanges as opinions and concerns were expressed over the plans, which will involve up to 1,000 new homes, a care home, sheltered housing, a hotel, a primary school, and a neighbourhood centre.

Cornwall Council officers and Saltash town councillors listened as residents made their views known.

Most were largely unfavourable to the huge estate which would be on the outskirts of the town and alongside the A38.

One of the main issues was drainage with there already being a problem of flooding at Fleet and Forder.

There were worries expressed over road and traffic issues, especially at Carkeel, and the accident black spot at Stoketon Cross.

The infrastructure to support the new houses was also discussed, with concerns that the community college would not be able to cope with the extra influx of students.

Loss of farmland was another issue.

A spokesperson on behalf of Latchbrook Residents' Association was one of the few in favour of the proposed plan.

He said residents at Latchbrook would prefer that any development should be in one large area rather than spread around Saltash in pockets.

Among those present was councillor Jim Candy (Deviock), a member of Cornwall Council's Strategic Planning Committee which will make the final decision.

He said: 'The meeting gave local people the chance to voice their opinions directly to members of Strategic Planning, who have taken them on board.'