The Central Sub-Area Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Monday 27 July 2026 to discuss several planning applications. The committee approved two housing developments in Cubert, PA26/00655 and PA26/00190, and refused a third housing development in St Agnes, PA25/09548, after considerable debate. Permission in principle was granted for a further housing development at Black Cross, Newquay, PA26/01976.

Housing Development Approved in Cubert

The committee approved two applications for housing developments by Kingsley Developments (SW) Ltd in Cubert. The first, PA26/00655, for 24 dwellings on land north of Highfields, Wesley Road, Cubert, Cornwall, TR8 5HB, was approved subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions. Despite concerns raised by objectors and some councillors regarding highway impacts, including increased vehicle movements on Wesley Road and Highfield Road, officers advised that the Highways Officer had concluded the proposal would not cause severe highway safety concerns. Councillor Alvey, who proposed the approval, cited the Highways Officer's support and the council's housing land supply position as key factors. The second application, PA26/00190, for land east of Wesley Road, Cubert, Cornwall, TR8 5HB, was unanimously approved, also subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions. Officers confirmed that visibility for vehicles emerging from this site would be acceptable.

Housing Development Refused in St Agnes

A housing development on land north of Remar Goonown, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0XF, application PA25/09548, was refused by the committee, contrary to officer recommendations. The refusal was based on concerns regarding highway safety and pedestrian accessibility, citing conflict with Policy T1 of the Climate Emergency Development Plan 2023, Policy 13 of the St Agnes Neighbourhood Development Plan 2019, Policy 27 of the Cornwall Local Plan 2016, and paragraphs 8, 109, 115, and 117 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) December 2024. Councillor Evans, who seconded the refusal, highlighted the absence of a continuous footway and the additional traffic generated by the development. Objectors, including Councillor Dawn Brown of St Agnes Parish Council, had raised significant concerns about the impact on the local highway network, the withdrawal of bus services, and the strain on existing infrastructure. Officers had advised that while a continuous footway would be preferable, the evidence did not demonstrate a severe impact on highway safety, and that the council's lack of a five-year housing land supply meant the 'tilted balance' under the NPPF afforded significant weight to housing delivery. Despite initial debate and a brief adjournment to discuss the robustness of refusal reasons, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application.

Permission in Principle Granted for Black Cross Development

Permission in principle was granted for a housing development on land north of Homestead Farm, Black Cross, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4LU, application PA26/01976. Councillor Cole, the Electoral Division Member, acknowledged the concerns of St Enoder Parish Council regarding the sustainability of the location, noting that most journeys would likely be by car. However, officers advised that the site was considered sustainable, within a reasonable walking distance of St Columb Road and its services, and that national planning policy required decision-makers to recognise differing opportunities for sustainable travel in rural communities. They also highlighted that Planning Inspectors frequently afforded considerable weight to housing delivery under the 'tilted balance' when a five-year housing land supply could not be demonstrated. The committee voted to grant permission in principle.

Appeals Report Noted

The committee also noted the information relating to appeals.