THE decision day for a controversial proposal to build 540 homes on land near Bodmin could be approaching.

Wainhomes South West are seeking planning permission to build the properties on the outskirts of the town on land located off Halgavor Moor Farm, Halgavor Road, Bodmin and incorporates an area that is known locally as ‘Halgavor Moor’.

Since the plans were first submitted in 2020, a group of residents known as ‘Save Halgavor Moor’ have led a vocal opposition to the proposals, arguing that it would see the destruction of land that they say is home to a variety of wildlife.

The campaign saw approximately 100 members of the public attend a planning meeting of Bodmin Town Council to air their concerns in February 2024, with the campaigners efforts being supported at the time by the now former MP for North Cornwall, Scott Mann, and the now former Cornwall councillor for the area, Cllr Jenny Cruse.

Wainhomes’ proposals, which it says will boost the housing supply in the town on allocated land, have been in the planning system for nearly six years, owing to various revisions being required to satisfy the concerns of statutory consultees such as the Environment Agency, who previously objected to the plans on the grounds of flood risk.

However, there is a possibility that the proposals will come before a planning committee in May - just weeks after a relaxation on restrictions owing to phosphate levels in the River Camel was announced.

The potential decision day comes just weeks after proposals were approved by Cornwall Council for the construction of 58 open market homes near to Panderosa Farm in the west of the town, and 527 homes on land at Priory Road, opposite the headquarters for Devon and Cornwall Police in Cornwall.

In a submission to the council’s planners, Devon and Cornwall Police detailed the contribution it is expecting from the developer if the proposals for the development are approved.

They are seeking a contribution of £49,289.01 to be secured on the completion of a Section 106 agreement between the developer and Cornwall Council if planning approval is obtained.

Justifying the amount, the police’s consultant told the council: “Overall, a total developer contribution of £41,289.01 is requested to be secured via the completion of the s106 Agreement, subject to receiving planning permission, which would be payable to Devon and Cornwall Police. This is sought to mitigate the impact the development will have on the police’s resources and to ensure that the police can continue to provide the same level of service to the new and existing residents in Bodmin.”

It is this document which has revealed the potential for the development to be considered soon, with the subsequent line in the correspondence stating: “We understand that the planning application is likely to be reported to Planning Committee in May, subject to resolving those outstanding issues which we discussed.

“We would be grateful to be kept updated, and hope that the above contributions are now acceptable to Wain Homes.”

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