A parish council has raised concerns about the size of two houses which are proposed to replaced a fire-damaged bungalow in a Cornish village.

Mr J Barry, a local builder, has applied to replace the existing property in Loscombe Lane, Four Lanes, near Redruth. At 1.8 metres higher than the bungalow, Cornwall Council’s planning department acknowledged that the proposed houses are taller in the landscape, but the ridge line would be below that of a recently approved neighbouring dwelling. It recommended approval.

However, the local member Sally Anne Weedon brought it before the council’s west area planning committee due to concerns raised by the local parish council.

Bob Drew, chairman of Carn Brea Parish Council which opposes the plan, said: “We fully support the redevelopment of this site. Our concern, however, is to ensure that whatever is built is appropriate. To that end, we have been entirely consistent with our view on this application.”

Where the fire-damaged bungalow would be replaced with two houses.
Where the fire-damaged bungalow would be replaced with two houses  (Picture: Google Earth)

The parish council believes the proposed design, size, height, scale and mass of the houses fails to comply with Cornwall Local Plan or the Carn Brea Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan, which is awaiting public referendum.

“We support development on the site but it should respect the location and not be the biggest building that can be squeezed into the plot,” added Cllr Drew, who said the houses wouldn’t fit in with the existing properties on the lane.

Planning agent Martin Richards said the purpose of the application was to give Mr Barry a home for his family alongside a home for his daughter and son-in-law; both families have always lived in the area. He said they have reduced the widths of the houses, lowered the height of the eaves and replaced cladding with natural slate.

There were no objections from any statutory consultees apart from the parish council, with only three comments against the plans by members of the public, with two in favour.

Cllr Thalia Marrington felt the plan was in keeping and didn’t look like it would be problematic. Cllr Loveday Jenkin agreed, saying it mirrored other properties in Four Lanes. She proposed approval, which was unanimously approved.