A contentious planning application to build new homes with access through an existing estate came before a Cornwall Council committee for a third time on Monday, November 11.

Last month Lowen Heights Limited submitted a revised application to build seven homes on land off Boiler Works Road, North Roskear, Camborne, after councillors deferred a plan in the summer over access concerns through Barberry Way, a “congested cul-de-sac”. Residents have complained that emergency vehicles could have difficulty accessing the site via a narrow entrance.

Danny Green, the applicant, said at the October meeting of the West Area Planning Committee: “Back in July, you asked me to look at the plans and the concerns raised by the residents, which I have done. We’ve gone back to the drawing board. One of them was to remove the garages, which we have. We’ve added extra parking, so now there are plans for seven houses with 14 parking spaces, which is unheard of.

“One of the main concerns, which I do agree with, is the construction traffic coming in through Barberry Way, even though this site already has planning and is policy compliant. I’ve listened to the residents and I’ve taken heed and action, and have succeeded in negotiating a temporary access to bring in the construction vehicles. I’ve also put a traffic management plan together with conditions.

“I physically can do no more on this site. I feel I’ve made it much, much better. We need houses – I’m trying to supply seven houses here, which will help local first-time buyers get on the market. Highways are happy with this, planning consultants are happy with this. If it gets refused, I’ll go to appeal.”

The committee decided to defer again to allow the applicant to obtain details from the owner of the temporary construction access to find out why it could not be used to serve the new development or to consider a revised layout to achieve access from Boiler Works Road.

Monday’s meeting heard that both of these options were considered “unacceptable and undeliverable, and that the applicant is not prepared to pursue either route”. As before, the committee was recommended to approve the proposal.

After hearing there were no speakers present in favour or against the plan, Cllr Loveday Jenkin said: “We asked the applicant to go away and come back with a reason why they couldn’t use the temporary access as the main access to the site. We haven’t had any reason back.”

She was told there doesn’t have to be a reason and the committee had to determine the application in front of them. Planning officer Mark Broomhead stressed that the committee had heard twice before that there was no reason to refuse the application, as the highways officer was fine with the access.

“They have listened to you previously and removed the garage block and put in a temporary access which would be the main issue for the residents, so there’s no justification whatsoever to refuse this application,” he added.

Cllr John Thomas said he was disappointed. “We think there are quite severe issues with this development, citing pedestrian safety and traffic movements. I’m still not happy with it and can’t support it.”

After hearing officers’ advice, Cllr Thalia Marrington said she would propose approval. Cllr Dave Crabtree said as there were no opposing parties present to put their views, he was happy to second.

The committee was split with five members for and five against. Chairman Cllr Guy Foreman gave his casting vote to approve.