The Central Sub-Area Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Tuesday 7 April 2026 to consider two planning applications and an appeals report. The committee refused permission in principle for a residential development in Mevagissey due to concerns about its impact on the National Landscape, but granted permission in principle for a smaller development in Fowey.

PA25/08858: Land East Of Mevagissey CP School, Mevagissey

The committee refused permission in principle for Westcountry Land Enterprises (SW) Ltd to erect up to 8 residential dwellings on land east of Mevagissey CP School. Councillor James Mustoe CC, the Electoral Division Member, shared concerns raised by Mevagissey Parish Council regarding the impact on the National Landscape and the lack of affordable housing. He noted that the site was prominently located and that the Cornwall National Landscape team had objected, stating the development would be conspicuously evident in this skyline location and would neither 'conserve' nor 'enhance' the designated landscape.

Despite the case officer's recommendation to grant permission in principle, citing the need for housing and the site's sustainable location, the committee debated the proposal. Concerns were raised about the potential for expensive open market homes, the impact on local infrastructure, and the history of planning refusals on the site. Ultimately, the motion to grant permission in principle was tied at 4 votes to 4, and the Chair's casting vote meant the motion was lost. A subsequent motion to refuse permission in principle was carried by 4 votes to 3 with 1 abstention. The reasons for refusal cited the harmful impact on the Cornish National Landscape due to the loss of open space in a prominent position, contrary to local and national planning policies.

PA26/00121: Land West Of Carnethic Stables, Lantic Road, Fowey

Permission in principle was granted for Mr J Varco to build up to 3 dwellings on land west of Carnethic Stables in Fowey. Councillor Ian Wilson CC, the Electoral Division Member, expressed concerns about overdevelopment, loss of privacy, and the impact on neighbouring properties. He also questioned whether the site was truly an infill development and raised issues regarding access via an unadopted road and the potential impact on bats and trees. Fowey Town Council had also objected on similar grounds.

Officers advised that there is no policy presumption against backland development and that each case is assessed on its merits. They clarified that ecological surveys would be required at the Technical Details Consent (TDC) stage, and that the trees on the site were not protected. The committee was informed that permission in principle was a legitimate process and that detailed plans would be assessed at the TDC stage. After debate, a motion to grant permission in principle was carried by 5 votes to 2 with 1 abstention. The reasons for approval highlighted the site's location within the settlement, its accessibility to services, and its potential to make efficient use of land while contributing to housing supply.

Appeals Report

The committee noted the information presented in the Appeals Report, which detailed appeals lodged and decided between 20 February and 23 March 2026.