A LOCAL council has said it wasn’t fully involved in plans which will see up to 250 new homes built in Launceston.

On May 6, Cornwall Council announced that it had approved plans for the development on land at Stourscombe Farm (PA24/02804).

Plans were first submitted for the development in April 2024, however, this week the council approved the works with condition.

The development would see 175 homes built on the land, with a further 75 affordable houses.

During the consultation process, Launceston Town Council expressed its concerns.

A spokesperson from the council explained: “The chair and vice chair of the town council’s Planning Committee advised that from the very first meeting regarding this application, the town council were given to believe that land would be made available for a cemetery that is urgently required for the local area, but now that an application is in place we are advised that this is not possible. Therefore, it is felt that this application is not offering anything to the town and should be refused and the town council requests that the application is determined by the Planning Committee.”

However, despite these concerns and its request that the final decision should be made by a planning committee, Launceston Town Council was not informed as to whether this would happen, instead the council explained that it was only updated on the situation following the application’s approval this month.

Requests made by the town council for the decision to be made by a planning committee are usually submitted by the town’s Cornwall Council representative, in this case Liberal Democrat councillor Damon Dennis. However, Launceston Town Council says that it received no response in this matter.

As such, the council has scheduled the subject for discussion at its next meeting on May 28.

However, local Cornwall councillor Damon Dennis has defended the decision, stating that ‘current planning policy supports housing delivery where proposals meet policy and technical standards.’

He explained: “As this application was policy-compliant and evidence-based, it was determined through the officer-led process rather than committee.”

Despite not going to committee, Cllr Dennis says that concerns surrounding the applications were considered.

“All comments and objections were formally reviewed,” he explained. “Issues like traffic, infrastructure, environment, layout, and density were fully assessed before approval.

“Their [Launceston Town Council’s] concerns were carefully considered. The development was judged to bring key benefits — more affordable housing, extra homes for Launceston, highway upgrades, funding for education and healthcare, and biodiversity gains.

“The process remains transparent and evidence based. Every representation is recorded and assessed, and decisions follow planning law and policy.”

However, Cllr Dennis has confirmed there will be further opportunities for community involvement.

He continued: “This is only outline approval. Details like layout, design, access, and landscaping will come later, giving residents and the town council another chance to comment.”

According to Cllr Dennis, the ‘bottom line’ is that this ‘decision follows planning policy and housing needs, balancing objections with the benefits of affordable homes, infrastructure, funding for health and education, and environmental improvements for Launceston.’