OUTLINE plans for a new home on agricultural land on the edge of Bodmin Moor have been refused.

The application for a single-storey house and garage, close to the listed De Lank farm in the settlement of De Lank, near St Breward, followed the granting of planning permission in 2019 for the siting of an agricultural barn on the same plot, permission which is still extant.

The applicant had argued that the new property would sit well within its surroundings: the plot is a triangular wedge of land next to existing residential properties.

But Cornwall Council’s planning officer Helen Blacklock said that the site in question is considered to make a positive contribution to the rural character and setting of the settlement of De Lank.

“The proposed development of the site would represent further incremental growth of the built form, extending the existing settlement into the countryside, eroding the rural character of the area,” she said.

“The benefits of the scheme do not outweigh the development plan position and the harm to the rural character of the area, and the proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to policies in the Cornwall Local Plan and guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.”

A second reason for refusal was related to concerns about the nearby River Camel.

“Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that this proposal would not result in an increase in phosphate levels which would further adversely affect the current unfavourable status of the River Camel Special Area of Conservation,” said the officer.

“In adopting a precautionary approach, the Local Planning Authority is not satisfied that the proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of this Special Area of Conservation.”

Cornwall Council had received six comments from members of the public, all stating objections to the scheme.

These related on the whole to concerns over an increase in traffic, and the potential for “setting a precedent” of further development in the countryside adjoining the settlement.