A proposal to build up to 250 new homes on a hilltop site on the outskirts of Looe are being considered by planners.

Discussions in advance of a formal planning application to Cornwall Council are under way with the developer, local resident Mike Cotton, whose business address is Heynes Planning at Newmills, Launceston.

A number of objections have already been registered to the proposals for the five fields which form the site at Portlooe Barton Farm, West Looe Hill.

The pre-application documents show a residential development of up to 250 units together with employment and commercial facilities, community uses and recreation areas, with vehicular access from Polperro Road.

But William Eliot, of Portbyhan Road, Looe, who, although he admits he has 'NIMBY' reasons for opposing the development, says there are also issues which are of interest to the wider public.

The site is agricultural land located outside the town boundary while the fields, he says, are located on top of a prominent hill.

Therefore any development would be visible from East Looe, Bindown, No Mans Land, Morval, and from the Duloe direction.

He is also concerned about inadequate access to the site from the A387.

Mr Eliot said: 'If this planning is granted the town boundary will be breached on this side of West Looe, and it will open the door to development along the A387 coast road to Polperro.

'Nobody denies that more housing is needed but not on this hilltop.'