Plans for affordable housing on the outskirts of Callington could result in 50 additional cars using a 'dangerous' junction near the college, planners have been warned. Members of Caradon District Council's planning committee held a site meeting at South Hill Road on Monday, where the Westcountry Housing Association is seeking to build 25 affordable homes on a green-field site outside the existing town development boundary. Despite the council's recognition of the need for such homes to be built in the town, planning officers have in the past recommended refusal of the application on the grounds that it would be harmful to the 'pronounced rural character' of the area, and the potential hazard posed by its proximity to old mine workings. But some councillors favour the scheme, and last month voted to hold a site meeting to see for themselves the potential impact on the landscape, before making a final decision. Residents say their main concern is the increase in traffic the development will generate, and they have sent a petition to councillors pointing out that the junction of South Hill Road and the A388 is already congested with ordinary traffic and parents dropping off and collecting children from the nearby college. Younger children will have to cross the extremely busy road to reach the primary schools. The residents say they also fear that, if approved, the development will set a precedent for more new homes on either side of South Hill Road. The application and the findings of the site meeting are due to be discussed when the planning committee next meets in January.
