Plans for Bodmin care facility near landmark sparks concerns

A new care facility could be built next to a Cornwall landmark despite concerns raised by people living nearby.

Cornwall Council has applied for planning permission from itself to create 71 apartments for the elderly on land near Bodmin Beacon.

The authority said the project, proposed for land south of Whitestone Road, Bodmin, were much-needed to tackle the increasing demand for housing for the county’s ageing population.

There have been objections from people who live nearby with concerns over flooding, local properties being overlooked, and impact on traffic, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The site is close to the Bodmin Beacon nature reserve and the 144ft (43m) tall Gilbert Memorial.

Under the plans there would be 41 parking spaces on the site, five of which would be for local residents at the site entrance to the development.

The council’s planning department recommended approval with conditions, stating there were no highways objections and privacy issues would be mitigated by layout, design and conditions.

The application was brought before a strategic planning committee meeting earlier this month due to it being Cornwall Council’s own proposal.

Bodmin town councillor Pete Skea told the committee: “We have grave concerns about this site because when it rains it really floods there.”

Skea said there were only 36 parking spaces planned for residents, staff and visitors – which he said was “an oversight”.

The committee was told alternative sites in the Bodmin area could not be found for the size of proposal.

Committee chairman councillor Chris Batters said: “I think this is an excellent site and I think people will be thrilled to bits who move in there because of the location.

“It covers everything except the parking, but you will have that issue wherever you go.”

He proposed approval, with the committee agreeing and voting unanimously in favour.