Cornwall Council has granted conditional planning permission for 20 Sunnybanks in Hatt to be converted from a single dwelling into two supported living units. The approval comes despite Botus Fleming Parish Council voting unanimously against the application.
The parish council raised concerns about parking, access, traffic, and the potential impact of care staff travelling to and from the property. Councillors formally resolved not to support the application after a consultation in July.
The parish council said the Sunnybanks area already had restricted parking and access facilities. It also questioned whether the proposed use would involve care staff attending the property to support residents with special needs. Councillors warned this could lead to a "significant and constant uplift in traffic flow" if additional staff regularly travelled to and from the site.
The council's objection also highlighted concerns from local residents. In its response to Cornwall Council, the parish council said one resident had already submitted an objection to the planning portal. It added that several councillors had been approached by concerned residents, although their comments had not yet been logged on the planning system when the application was discussed.
Another issue raised was the possibility that development work around the property's garage area had already started before planning permission was granted.
Following discussion, Cllr Brian Venables proposed that Botus Fleming Parish Council should not support the application, with Cllr Sally White seconding the proposal. After a vote, all councillors agreed.
Despite the unanimous objection, Cornwall Council has now given the scheme the green light. The application was submitted by Mr Yogesh Gahlawat and sought permission to change the use of the property from a Class C3 dwelling to two supported living units. The proposed use falls under the planning category known as sui generis, meaning a use that does not fall neatly within one of the standard planning use classes.
Cornwall Council has granted permission subject to several conditions. The development must begin within three years of the date of permission and must be carried out in accordance with the approved plans. A specific condition has also been imposed on parking. The existing off-road car parking area must be retained and cannot subsequently be obstructed or used for another purpose.
Cornwall Council said the condition was necessary to ensure adequate parking facilities were provided away from the adjoining highway. The authority said the requirement was in accordance with the aims and intentions of Policy 27 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010-2030.
The planning decision means the property can now be used as two supported living units, provided the development complies with the conditions attached to the permission.
Council Approves Hatt Supported Living Plan Despite Parish Objection