'Northern Expansion' goes to appeal
News Archive > General > 'Northern Expansion' goes to appeal
A CONTROVERSIAL planning decision on whether to grant permission to build 1,300 houses in St Austell has been taken out of Cornwall Council’s hands, writes Warren Wilkins.Wainhomes lodged an appeal on Monday for non determination so the Secretary of State will now appoint a planning inspector to decide if the development earmarked to be built on 126 acres of pastureland to the west of Carclaze should be approved.
Cornwall Council was originally due to make a decision on the application by Monday, March 22, but the authority was given extra time to iron out several issues in the scheme following negotiations with the developer.
As predicted by the Voice in March, Wainhomes has now decided to opt out from the local authority deciding the project, which also involves constructing retail and employment space together with public open space, education and public transport provision including a Community Transport Hub.
Save our Unspoilt Land, a campaign group fighting the proposal, along with councillors, believe Wainhomes has gone to appeal because the company thinks it will have a better chance of gaining planning permission.
Stephen Henry, chairman of S.O.U.L, said: "Now what it is likely to come down to is that the planning application looks like it will be decided by one person appointed by the Government, which means it has passed through all democratic stages without touching one of them. We have previously warned the town council that could be part of their strategy."
Peter Wyper from S.O.U.L added: “Given the contempt Wainhomes has given the people of St Austell this comes as no surprise at all.
“The consultation process has been a sham. The developer has shown itself to be more interested in the appeals process than consultation with the local community. It has failed to engage the town and parish councils. My understanding is there is still issues with the statutory consultees, which has led to this delay in getting the report to the planning committee.
“This action by Wainhomes seems unreasonable given the failure of the developer to get credible reports to the statutory consultees.”
John Stocker, a St Austell town councillor, said: “ I believe Wainhomes thinks it has a better chance of getting it passed by an inspector. Wainhomes promised the council it would enter into proper discussions with council officers and local groups and review what has been put forward.
“They have chosen not to do this and have gone back on their word.
“There are a lot of things wrong with the application. The provisions made for the drainage of surface water are inadequate. The means of dealing with extra traffic is ludicrous. It is going to end up with Tregonissey Road jammed from end to end.”
Mark Ball, a senior planning officer at Cornwall Council, said: “Wainhomes has lodged an appeal. We have not had confirmation from the planning inspectorate that the appeal is valid. They need to confirm that in writing.”
A Wainhomes spokesman said: “Thank you for the opportunity, but we do not wish to comment at this stage.”
