A CONTENTIOUS plan to create a new parking area in West Looe has been withdrawn.
The scheme submitted to Cornwall Council would have seen a new parking area for two cars at a property on Hannafore Lane.
The applicant had stated that the project would help to alleviate congestion by providing off-street parking in an area where parking has become an issue.
An integrated bin store and direct access by stairs to the property were also part of the plans drawn up.
Of 16 public comments lodged with Cornwall Council about the planning application, 15 were in objection.
Many commenters were worried about the earthworks needed to create the proposed parking spaces in a steep, and historically unstable area, and some pointed out that the narrow lane becomes a footpath at the section in question.
Looe Town Council had objected, with members referring to “worrying signs of subsidence in the area in question and a history of land slippage in the immediate area”.
The Council felt that in the light of this, any planning application should be accompanied by land stability and drainage reports.
An existing retaining wall adds to the local distinctiveness of Hannafore Lane in terms of design and materials, said the Council. “In addition to concerns over land stability,” members added, “referring to local maps, the highway stops at the bollards in question and the area of proposed development is a footway. This is a narrow path and Looe Town Council object to this change of use on the grounds of safety. There would be an increased risk of accident by allowing vehicular access alongside pedestrians.”
Cornwall’s Highways Officer chimed with the thoughts of the Town Council in stating their objection on the grounds that “safe and suitable access could not be demonstrated”.