PROPOSALS for the construction of up to 28 affordable dwellings near to a Cornish coastal village which is notorious for its high property prices has been approved by Cornwall Council.

The plans, submitted on behalf of Penyname Developments Ltd for land to the east of Chy Un Lur in Penmayne, Rock was approved despite a number of vociferous objections by nearby residents.

In documents submitted as part of the planning application, the planning agents said that the affordable rent tenure properties in the development will be delivered by Livewest, a prominent local housing association.

It was stated: “Penyname Developments view the proposed scheme at Penmayne as an opportunity to be able to develop the group company’s business, by delivering an affordable led residential scheme, employing local companies and to provide for the local population with a development that will contribute towards facilitating home ownership which, in turn, will encourage and sustain and enhance the future community.”

The site is presently comprising of 0.9-hectares of greenfield land.

Of the 28 dwellings, it is intended that 14 will be provided for a social rent tenure while the other 14 will be sold as discounted market dwellings.

It is set to comprise of six one-bedroom flats capable of housing two people each.

There will also be six two-bedroom houses capable of housing up to four people in addition to two three-bedroom houses capable of housing five people each.

The applicant also stated that the development was designed in order to avoid overlooking holiday homes in the village.

However, the proposals were not universally popular, with 29 objections from residents and two comments of support.

St Minver Lowlands Parish Council originally objected to the proposals but when there were changes made, reversed their position, stating: “Following presentation by Livewest and Hannafin to St Minver Lowlands Parish Council on 2 June 2025 the parish council is very pleased that the development is now 100 per cent Social Rent and propose to approve the application on the following conditions.

“As stated in our previously response, the environmental credentials still need addressing. Special attention should taken in selecting planting species, and replacing original trees removed prior to the application being submitted. The landscaping must facilitate sufficient space for a wildlife corridor.

“Consistent with the previous response, the measures to address flooding must detailed sufficiently. As shared at the meeting increased drainage capacity and a greater run off provision must be detailed.

“It is noted that 50 Parking spaces are provided for 28 homes. The project has passed viability controls with 28 properties.

“The Parish Council has confirmed that both St Minver Highlands and Lowlands Parishes can be considered as the primary area when it comes to allocation. Homechoice Housing Register and Criteria must be followed in allocating homes.”

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Cornwall Council issued conditional approval, concluding: “All matters have been taken into consideration and where impacts are not fully mitigated through the imposition of conditions set out below, they are not of such weight as to tip the balance of considerations away from approval.”