CONTROVERSIAL plans for accommodation pods to house vulnerable young people will be discussed by Truro City Council's planning committee at a public meeting on Thursday, January 30.

The event will take place from 7pm on the top floor of Truro Library and all are welcome to attend.

The 10 one-bedroom modular-construction SoloHaus units have been described as “launch pad accommodation” for 18 to 25 year olds transitioning from Cornwall Council’s Children's Services, as part of its commitment to reduce homelessness.

These, along with a welfare and management hub, are being proposed for land near Truro Cattle Market, Tregurra park and ride, Waitrose and residential areas including Trevethow Riel.

The latest plans from construction consultancy Kendall Kingscott have fuelled debate online, both for and against the development.

On Cornwall Counci’s planning portal, Linda Green Aviram said the proposal “lacks adequate parking for staff, visitors and residents”, and added: “I am an elderly lady and this development could pose serious concerns and stress for myself.”

On Facebook, former care leaver Laura Hart said the initiative was “badly needed down here”. She blamed “misinformation” for the backlash: “It's entirely different giving 18-year-olds a safe transition from foster care to adult living, to turning it into a drug hostel.”

Opponents dismissed suggestions that the out-of-town site benefits from good public transport into the city centre. “The Park and Ride bus service does not operate after 7pm and is closed on Sundays and bank holidays,” said Margaret Jacobs via the planning portal.

“Much as I absolutely wish to see homeless young people housed adequately, this site is inappropriate. Young people need to be living in the town centre close to work and recreation facilities, support workers and friends.”

She suggested the former Truro College building in Quay Street would be “an ideal site”, while Malcolm Blows proposed the “currently redundant Pydar Street development”.

Mr Blows added: “The Duchy of Cornwall went to great pains to design and build a development which complements Truro and serves as an attractive visual gateway to the city. The installation of what are essentially box-like hubs built very close together can only be detrimental to that.

“There is a strong correlation between visually attractive buildings and mental health, and quite frankly on this occasion, I think homeless/rehabilitating people deserve better.”

But planning consultant Tim Farley wrote in support the proposal, having worked on similar projects in Plymouth and Wolverhampton. “The principle of providing supported independent living opportunities for care leavers is so important,” he said.

Nicola Craig Vella added: “As a direct neighbour to this planning application, I feel I should stand up and support such a fantastic project. So far, the main objections seem to be of the same snobbery and prejudice that inhabits the estate nearby.”

Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting must contact the planning clerks by no later than 5pm on Tuesday. Email [email protected] or write to Truro City Council, The Municipal Buildings, Boscawen Street, Truro, TR1 2NE.

For more information, see application PA24/09104 on Cornwall Council’s online planning portal.