The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday, 18 December 2025, to consider three planning applications. The committee resolved to approve a wood, composting, and green waste processing facility near Camborne, and a new care home in Truro. The third application, for extra care apartments in Bodmin, was recommended for approval subject to further consultation and conditions.

Wood, Composting and Green Waste Processing Facility, Camborne

The committee resolved to approve the application for a wood, composting, and green waste processing and recycling facility on land north of Roseworthy Hill and south of the A30 in Camborne¹. The proposal, submitted by Mr and Mrs J Richards, includes a development platform, a commercial-scale agricultural building, an attenuation pond, a weighbridge, and parking.

The decision was made after extensive consideration of various factors, including national and local planning policies related to waste management, sustainable development, and environmental protection. Numerous consultees provided feedback, including Gwinear-Gwithian Parish Council, who maintained their objection due to concerns about the location's suitability, visual impact, road safety, noise, and odour. The Council's Ecologist, Landscape Officer, Tree Officer, and Public Protection officers provided detailed assessments.

The Landscape Officer concluded that with the proposed landscaping scheme and recommendations from the ecologist and tree officer, the proposal would have limited long-term impact on the landscape. Public Protection officers raised no objections regarding air quality, noise, or odour, subject to appropriate conditions. The Lead Local Flood Authority was content with flood risk and surface water drainage, also subject to conditions.

The recommendation for approval was based on the conclusion that the proposal accords with the development plan and national policy framework, and aligns with the objectives of the Council's Resources and Waste Strategy. A comprehensive list of conditions was attached to the approval, covering aspects such as waste control, construction environmental management, landscape and ecological management, biodiversity management, tree protection, lighting, contaminated land, drainage, building specifications, traffic management, site access, working hours, pollution control, and restoration.

New Care Home, Truro

The committee resolved to approve the application for the redevelopment of Mountford House Care Home site on Cyril Road, Truro, to provide a new 54-bed care home (Use Class C2), parking, and landscaped gardens. The application was submitted by Sanctuary Affordable Housing Ltd.

The proposal was called to committee at the request of the Electoral Division Member, Councillor Steven Webb CC, who acknowledged the number of objections received and had concerns regarding height, massing, noise, light, overlooking, and inadequate parking.

The report highlighted the significant need for specialist supported accommodation in Cornwall, with a predicted shortfall of 1,200 care beds by 2033. The proposed development directly addresses this need, aligning with the Council's corporate objectives. The design was considered to respect the site's context and the character of the conservation area, with mitigation measures in place to address potential impacts on neighbouring properties regarding daylight, sunlight, overshadowing, overlooking, and privacy.

Concerns raised by the Environmental Health Department regarding noise from air source heat pumps, substations, and kitchen extraction systems were addressed through recommended conditions to control their specification, siting, noise levels, and attenuation measures. The Highway Authority raised no objection, subject to conditions for resurfacing Cyril Road and securing on-site parking, turning, and cycle facilities.

The decision to approve was based on the significant social and economic benefits of providing modern, purpose-built care accommodation in a sustainable location, outweighing the identified adverse impacts. A comprehensive list of conditions was attached, covering aspects such as obscure glazing, construction environmental management, surface water drainage, parking, cycle storage, road improvements, tree protection, energy efficiency, ecology and biodiversity, external lighting, use restrictions, air source heat pump and substation details, travel plans, habitat management, landscaping, and noise control.

Extra Care Apartments, Bodmin

The committee recommended that the Chief Planning Officer be given delegated authority to grant outline planning permission for the proposed development of 71 extra care apartments (Use Class C3) on land south of Whitestone Road, Bodmin¹. This recommendation is subject to the resolution of concerns raised by the Environment Agency and the imposition of planning conditions.

The application, submitted by Cornwall Council, was called to committee due to objections received. The proposal aims to address a significant need for extra care accommodation in Bodmin, aligning with the Council's Supported and Specialist Housing Strategy, which identifies a substantial demand for such facilities. The development is considered to offer substantial social benefits by providing much-needed specialist housing and contributing to the Council's housing targets.

The site is located on the edge of Bodmin, considered a sustainable location with good access to services and public transport. The Highways officer raised no objection, subject to conditions ensuring safe access and parking. However, the proposal was noted to have a moderate impact on the distinctive character of the immediate locality due to its scale and layout, particularly in views from the south and east. Mitigation measures, including design adjustments and landscaping, were proposed to address these concerns.

Concerns were also raised by residents regarding the loss of green space, impact on wildlife, increased traffic and parking issues, and the suitability of the location. The Council's Ecologist identified potential negative impacts on hedgerows, bats, dormice, nesting birds, reptiles, and badgers, but concluded that these could be mitigated through appropriate conditions and management plans. The Lead Local Flood Authority raised no objection, subject to conditions related to groundwater monitoring and surface water management.

The recommendation for approval was based on the assessment that the benefits of the scheme, particularly in addressing the housing crisis and the need for specialist accommodation, outweigh the adverse impacts. The report highlighted that Cornwall Council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, engaging the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development as outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework.