PLANS to build two new houses on the site of a former pilgrimage garden have been submitted.

Local people fought to save the garden in St Cleer when the Diocese of Truro sold the former vicarage building in 2016.

The property went into the hands of a private owner, who would now like to build two four-bedroomed homes on the land attached to the Grade II listed building.

The owner was advised by Cornwall Council earlier this year that an application for one home, rather than two, might be more favourable.

But the outline application currently before the planning department, with the reference PA18/02071, is for two homes of four bedrooms or more.

The scheme has attracted three objections and one statement of support from local people who have commented so far.

One resident said that the need in St Cleer Parish was for affordable housing, rather than larger homes.

Another said that ‘reducing the extent of this listed property’s original grounds would be a loss which cannot be undone’.

St Cleer Parish Council has not yet considered the planning proposal.