THE plan to develop a new neighbourhood with up to 550 houses in Liskeard has been submitted to Cornwall Council.

The proposed development site is at Tencreek Farm, alongside the A38 near the Premier Inn, and falls within the parish of Menheniot.

As well as housing, the plan includes a 60-bed care home, a community hub with shops and possible doctors' and dental surgeries, and employment areas. There is land available for a cinema, as well as a post office sorting office.

Andrew Lopez, managing director of developers Brook Street Properties, said last year's consultation on the plan had produced high levels of support for the development.

'This development is an amazing opportunity for Liskeard which could lead to some fantastic uses for the community, including the very real hope of a cinema.' he said.

Jonathan Buckwell, director of planning for the HBA Group, which is handling the plans on behalf of Brook Street Properties, said: 'The application is in outline only, so we are only seeking approval for the principle of the development with detailed design and layout to follow.

'The community hub would include local shopping facilities which would be small neighbourhood shops, nothing that would compete with the town centre.'

The proposed development has already led to comment ahead of a planning meeting of Liskeard Town Council.

Councillor Nick Mallard said: 'This plan would mean a massive increase in the size of the town, on top of the 475 houses already approved at Addington.

'I feel this could just mean the building of dormitory housing to serve Plymouth, conveniently adjacent to the A38.

'I am concerned for our community because of the extra pressures on our infrastructure such as the schools and our sewerage system, which is almost at capacity.'

Town mayor Sue Pike said: 'This is an imaginative, ambitious and massive plan which could change Liskeard. I have issues over the impact on the town centre and our services, and a concern that we might develop into a town that has two centres.

'This plan will need very careful consideration on all aspects.'