CONTENTIOUS plans to expand a popular pub in Mitchell have been recommended for approval despite fears the scheme could have a “detrimental impact” on the village.

The Grade II listed Plume of Feathers proposes to create a new wedding venue, walled garden and restaurant as well as seven self-contained holiday accommodation units.

But 30 residents have opposed the plans stating the development would lead to additional noise, traffic issues and a loss of privacy.

Planning officer Jeremy Content has earmarked the scheme for approval as he believes it would provide a significant economic and employment benefit.

He stated there would be additional noise and traffic movements but not to an extent that would have a harmful effect on neighbours or access through the village.

Cornwall Council’s central-sub area planning committee is due to make a decision on the plans at its meeting at County Hall on Monday, January 13.

Resident Jean Harvey said: “Mitchell has a massive traffic and parking problem, if you add the new Restaurant at this venue even though there would be parking for residents staying at the Plume of Feathers, additional vehicles entering and trying to navigate their way through the village would be impossibly frustrating to say the least and then add on the summer traffic.”

Jeanette Freeman added: “We strongly object to this application.

“The traffic congestion past our home and through our village is already a danger.

“Parking along the street where we are and the buses causing blockages already cause major problems. Our village road infrastructure can't support a develop of this size.

“Extra people about especially at closing time causing noise and antisocial behaviour. No amenities in our village.

“Our village will struggle to support the development of this size.”

Kim Parish said: “I have lived in the village for just over 17 years and in that time seen the Plume of Feathers develop and it has always been in keeping with the existing premises, with minimal disruption and always with great consideration to the environment.

“My concerns are that although there is grass overflow parking in the main season, visitors to the Plume park on the road and there doesn't appear to be sufficient parking.

“Consideration needs to be given for the increase in traffic to the centre of a small rural village.”

Planning officer Mr Content said: “The proposal would provide a significant economic and employment benefit and result in spin off economic benefits to local service and food suppliers; such benefits are given significant weight.

“The proposed design, materials and landscaping would result in a high standard of development that would deliver significant net gains for biodiversity and protect the historic environment as well as the character of the settlement and adjacent rural setting.

“These benefits are considered to outweigh the loss of agricultural land which currently has a negligible contribution to agriculture with no indication of the situation changing.

“The balance is considered to weigh in favour of the proposal and a recommendation of conditional approval is made.”