PLANS to build four detached bungalows in a village have been rejected by Cornwall Council.

Members of a local family had applied to build on land at Vollards Lane in Hatt, near Saltash.

The agent acting on their behalf, MHM Design Ltd, said that the scheme would represent a ‘rounding off’ or ‘infill’ development as it would fill a gap between existing housing to the east and a large detached house to the west.

They argued that the new houses would be in keeping with the area and that the estimated 24 additional vehicle journeys per day created by the new residents would have a negligible impact.

The Highways Officer for Cornwall Council said that the scheme represented the opportunity to “enhance the gateway to the village” and to achieve a reduction in the speed of traffic through the visual impression of a change from rural to built environment.

But Botus Fleming Parish Council objected strongly to the proposal. Members pointed out that the housing target from Cornwall Council for 2030 for the villages of Botus Fleming and Hatt was zero. They said that the village has very few services for existing residents, and that more houses would add to the strain on infrastructure and to the carbon footprint: new residents would be obliged to use private cars as there are very few employment opportunities, and no footpaths or cycle paths linking the village with the nearest towns.

The local council also said that there was already enough market value housing in the parish, and that was what genuinely needed was affordable housing and social housing for rent. The Council did not agree with the applicant that the new development would represent “rounding off” or infill housing.

It said that building at this site would extend the traditional boundary of the village and potentially lead to further “rounding off” proposals.

In refusing the scheme, Cornwall Council planning officer Patrick James said that the development would conflict with various polices of the Cornwall Local Plan and National Planning guidelines.