Concerns have been raised that a proposed new pedestrian crossing over the A30 to provide a link to a new housing development would be too dangerous. 

Devonshire Homes has applied for planning permission to build 320 homes on land at Trannack, near Penzance.

As part of the proposals the developer is looking to improve the existing pedestrian crossing over the A30, which runs next to the site, which would provide walking and cycle access for people living in the new homes to get into Penzance.

A number of objections have been raised about the scheme but one key aspect is concern that the pedestrian crossing over the busy road would be too dangerous. 

Some have highlighted that in 2002 a schoolboy died whilst crossing the road close to the proposed site.

Lee Redfern was just 10-years-old when he died in 2002 after being hit by a car when crossing the A30 close to the Treneere roundabout. 

During an inquest hearing into his death it was highlighted that he had not been using a designated crossing.

In their proposals Devonshire Homes explains about the crossing: “The crossing of the A30 at the roundabout has been widened and re-routed with changes to surface materials to make this crossing more attractive and welcoming to pedestrians and cyclists and more clearly signal the crossing point to drivers. Additionally, it is proposed that the speed limit for this section of the A30 be reduced to 40mph.”

Local resident Roy Blewett said in his objection: “The developer proposes an improved pedestrian crossing over the A30 into the Treneere Estate and a reduction on this stretch of road from 50 to 40 miles per hour. This is a staggering and dangerous proposal with the existing heavy traffic and all the increasing traffic. 

“The idea of a speed reduction in this area would largely be ignored and also be almost impossible to work unless average speed cameras or a constant police presence became part of the proposal.

“There has already been a death of a boy some years ago so the proposal is therefore deficient in taking account of the variety of people and the possible number that would have to use the crossing from the site, hoping to stop traffic at some point, such as scores of schoolchildren, the elderly, walkers, the disabled and partially sighted, all exiting and returning let alone young parents with toddlers and babies in prams.”

Some objectors have suggested rather than improving the existing pedestrian crossing it would be better to build a pedestrian bridge over the A30 which would provide access from the development and into Penzance.

Penzance Town Council stated in its objection: “The development proposal, as set out, made little effort to provide adequate pedestrian links to either Penzance, Heamoor or Gulval and, despite there being capacity for an increase in the numbers of children in local primary schools, the proposed A30 crossing would be of such a dangerous nature that it would prevent any parents or children from being able to travel on foot.”

It added: “The proposed pedestrian crossing on the A30 was not fit for purpose, especially for children and disabled people and, at the least, a pedestrian footbridge should have been provided.”

Devonshire Homes has been approached to respond to the comments made by objectors. To view the planning application or to submit comments search for PA22/11412 on Cornwall Council’s planning portal.