The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council was scheduled to consider a planning application for residential development in Lanner. The committee was also scheduled to review a list of recent appeal decisions.

Residential Development in Lanner

The committee was scheduled to consider an outline planning application for residential development at Land Rear of Lannarth Farmhouse, Rough Street, Lanner, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 6HA¹. The application, submitted by Mr Paul Wong, was for up to 42 dwellings, including a community car park, with all matters reserved except for access.

The report pack indicated that the application was called to committee by the Electoral Division Member, Councillor John Thomas MBE², due to significant concerns regarding highway and pedestrian safety associated with the proposed access onto Rough Street. Further concerns were raised about the potential impact on heritage, ecological and landscape assets, local flooding and infrastructure capacity, site ground stability and mining legacy issues. There were also concerns that the proposed affordable housing mix might not adequately meet identified local housing needs.

The report pack recommended that delegated powers be granted to approve the application, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Planning Obligation³ to secure contributions for affordable housing, SAC mitigation, and open space. If the Section 106 agreement was not completed in an appropriate timescale, delegated authority was recommended to refuse the application.

The report pack detailed extensive consultation responses. Lanner Parish Council supported the development in accordance with their Lanner Neighbourhood Development Plan⁴. However, the Electoral Division Member, Councillor John Thomas MBE, expressed strong concerns about highway safety, stating, I fail to see that putting a build-out from the exit point onto Rough Street would overcome my highway safety concerns. What is proposed by officers is encouraging accidents on this very busy and narrow rat run from Lanner through to Four Lanes, Penstruthal and beyond.⁵

The Highways Development Management Officer raised no objections, subject to the build-out being secured by condition, stating that the proposal was unlikely to result in serious adverse impact on the transport network or an unacceptable impact on highway safety. The Affordable Housing Team supported the proposal, noting a housing need in Lanner Parish and recommending a mix of social rent and shared ownership, or 100% social rent.

The Historic Environment (Archaeology) consultation identified potential for early mining remains and recommended archaeological monitoring. The CC Ecologist was satisfied with further information provided regarding protected species. Natural England raised no objection subject to mitigation for development within the Zone of Influence of the Fal & Helford Special Area of Conservation (SAC)⁶. The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) raised no objections to the drainage strategy. South West Water confirmed no water assets within the site and accepted the proposed surface water strategy. Public Protection raised no objections regarding contaminated land. The Tree Officer had no objections in principle but required evidence that minimum canopy cover requirements could be met. CC Education Infrastructure requested mitigation towards additional school places, but this was not being sought as the proposal was for 100% affordable housing. The NHS Primary Care did not seek Section 106 funding. The Principal Public Space Officer advised that an off-site financial contribution was required for public open space. Devon & Cornwall Police Architectural Liaison Officer raised no objections in principle but advised on designing out crime principles. The Public Rights of Way Team had no objections but advised on boundary treatment. The Ramblers Association objected, citing concerns about the impact on the character of Public Right of Way (PROW) 216/21 and increased traffic.

The report pack also addressed the principle of development, affordable housing, impact on the character and appearance of the area, canopy requirements, impact on the historic environment, living conditions, access and highway safety, public rights of way, ecology, impact risk zones for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), SAC mitigation, Biodiversity Net Gain, climate change emergency, flood risk and drainage, ground conditions, and impact on infrastructure provision.

Appeals Decisions

The committee was scheduled to receive a list of appeals decided between 04/09/2026 and 02/10/2026, and a list of appeals lodged between 04/09/2026 and 02/10/2026. This included details of various planning applications, proposals, and locations, along with the outcome of the appeals (dismissed, allowed, or withdrawn).