A BID to build up to nine dwellings on land in Marhamchurch is a step closer to turning into reality after a permission in principle application was approved by Cornwall Council.

The application concerned land at Land East of Willow End on Hobbacott Lane.

The applicant’s planning agent told Cornwall Council: “The application site is closely related to existing residential development and forms a logical rounding-off and consolidation of the established settlement pattern. The proposal does not represent isolated or sporadic development in the open countryside.

“Rather, it constitutes a modest and proportionate extension to existing built form that can be integrated into its surroundings without prejudice to the character of the area. Given the limited scope of a Planning in Principle application, the principal question for the Local Planning Authority is whether residential development on this site is acceptable in principle.

“It is submitted that the answer to this question is clearly affirmative. The proposed development of up to nine dwellings represents an efficient use of land in a sustainable location and accords with the overarching objectives of national planning policy to significantly boost the supply of homes.

“The application site comprises land immediately adjoining the existing residential curtilage of Willow End and is located within an established cluster of residential development associated with Marhamchurch.”

Marhamchurch Parish Council objected to the proposals on the grounds of access, drainage and sewerage, no ‘natural site’ or boundary and claimed it was in the open countryside.

They added: “There are already 53 properties approved (or under review) for development in Marhamchurch area. Is there a need for nine more properties?”

It later transpired that Marhamchurch Parish Council maintained their objection and requested it be determined by a planning committee rather than delegated to planning officers.

However, Cllr Nicky Chopak, the councillor for the area ‘reluctanctly’ accepted the planning officer’s recommendation and thus it was not called into committee.

The planning officer’s report accompanying the approval of the application noted: “Marhachurch Parish Council objected to the appliation and therefore the adopted Local Council Protocol was followed. Following an appraisal of officer comments the Parish Council maintained their objection and requested committee determination.

“Cllr Chopak (elected divisional member) was contacted and has advised that "on first impressions the application appears to be building in the countryside and doesn't fit the rounding off policy with a lack of natural boundary.

“However I accept that the latest NPPF document has more flexibility and therefore this application would be difficult to argue against in this new light (in addition to the lack of land allocation within the Marhamchurch Neighbour Plan) (...)

“I therefore reluctantly accept a delegated decision on this occasion. The application can therefore proceed with a delegated decision.”

Cornwall Council approved the application, although before properties can be built, it will have to pass a second planning application relating to technical matters – where the design and construction of the properties will be discussed.

The plans can be viewed using PA26/05259 on the Cornwall Council planning portal.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.