PLANS have been submitted to turn an equestrian paddock near Pensilva into a site containing eight gypsy and traveller pitches.

The application relates to 0.8 hectares of land south-west of Redwood Farm, off Golberdon Road, and has been submitted on behalf of Albert Cooper and David Hawke.

It seeks a change of use from an equestrian field to eight pitches, together with the erection of seven toilet and shower blocks.

The planning statement supporting the application describes the proposal as a response to what it claims is a “significant and substantial” shortage of authorised gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople accommodation in Cornwall.

The applicants argue Cornwall Council does not currently have a five-year supply of deliverable land for such accommodation.

The eight pitches would provide accommodation for the two applicants and their extended families. The planning statement says all eight pitches are currently occupied, meaning the application is partly retrospective.

The site is already enclosed by existing earth and stone banks, fencing and mature hedgerows, with the applicants arguing these features would help screen the development from surrounding areas.

However, the land lies within the Lynher Valley Area of Great Landscape Value, meaning its potential impact on the character and appearance of the landscape is a key planning consideration.

The application argues the development would be modest in scale, with the seven toilet and shower buildings described as limited in size. It says there are restricted public views of the site and no nearby public rights of way or higher vantage points from which it would be readily visible.

Additional soft landscaping could also be required through a planning condition.

The proposal would retain the existing access from Golberdon Road, while a new internal access road would provide space for vehicles to pass and manoeuvre. Each pitch would have its own parking and turning area.

The planning documents state the development would result in only a small increase in traffic and argue it would not create a severe impact on the local highway network.

Two package treatment plants are proposed to deal with foul water and sewage.

The application also points to national planning policy, arguing that sites outside settlements can be appropriate where there is an unmet need for gypsy and traveller accommodation.

The planning statement says the council’s current Local Plan does not allocate sites for Gypsies and Travellers and is now considered out of date.

It also refers to previous planning appeal decisions in the area, including an appeal at Higher Mill Lawn Farm, Golberdon, where the council reportedly confirmed that circumstances had not significantly changed.

The site is currently subject to a live enforcement case, reference EN26/00503.

The applicants argue that the eight pitches would make a significant contribution towards the accommodation shortfall and that the benefits of providing a settled base for the families would outweigh any potential planning impacts.

Cornwall Council will now assess the application against local and national planning policies before reaching a decision.