A PROPOSED new development on the edge of West Looe has been rejected because it does not include enough affordable homes.

Landowner Michael Couch had hoped to build eight three-bedroom houses on land at Tregarrick, and three of these would be for affordable rent or sale.

However, Cornwall Council says that developing the plot in question would not constitute ‘infill’ or ‘rounding off’ of existing housing, and it would therefore count as a rural exceptions site. Planning rules state that at least half of any new homes on a rural exceptions site should be affordable.

The planning history on the land goes back more than ten years. In 2012, permission was granted for eight semi-detached houses and four flats. Nine of these were to be affordable, but the applicant, who lives in the area, says that ‘after considerable grounds works and expenditure, the burden of the affordable housing obligation was too much for the scheme to absorb.’

The scheme was revisited in 2016, but withdrawn in the face of objections from the open space and highways officers.

The current plan won approval from the highways officer but there were still concerns over the lack of open play spaces and play parks in West Looe.

In his concluding remarks, planning officer Paul Banks said: ‘The proposed development would have some benefits….(it) would provide eight dwellings in a sustainable location that would also help create employment for the duration of the build.  Occupiers of the dwellings would also likely use the shops and services within the settlement helping to support local business

‘However the application in its current form is not deemed viable or deliverable while contributing the minimum acceptable level of affordable housing, and accordingly, the proposal would be contrary to the housing policies of the development plan.

‘Having carefully considered the proposed development and the representations received from local residents and consultees, including the Town Council, it is contended that the benefits of the scheme are not outweighed by the conflict with the development plan.’