CONTROVERSIAL plans to build new homes in a village near a working quarry have been recommended for approval despite a public outcry.

Helford Atlantic is seeking planning permission to build 27 homes on land off Antron Way in Mabe Burnthouse.

But the plans have been met with opposition from locals who are concerned about the impact of the homes and worries that they could lead to the closure of nearby Trenoweth Quarry.

A packed public meeting was held last month after the planning application went before a Cornwall Council planning committee in December.

And now the plans are set to return to the west sub-area planning committee on Monday with planning officers recommending that they should be approved.

Local residents are concerned that if the homes are built then it could lead to complaints from the new residents about noise from the nearby quarry which they fear would be forced to close.

The development would have affordable homes on the site but some locals say these are not needed and there are also concerns that local services such as schools and doctors would not cope with an influx of new residents.

On the Cornwall Council planning portal there have been 170 public comments made, of which 169 are opposed and none are in favour.

However the report which will go before councillors on Monday states that although all the objections and factors have been taken into account the plans should be approved.

A number of conditions would be included if the plans are approved including a requirement to provide funding towards a play area and the local school.

The planning report states: “All other matters raised have been taken into account, including the planning history and the comments of the parish council and neighbours, but none is of such significance as to outweigh the considerations that have led to the conclusion.”

Developer Property Care Builders, who are linked with the plans, have defended the scheme.

A spokesman for the local firm was reported saying: “We’re not a massive developer, we’re nine strong and we’re just trying to get on the ladder.

“We haven’t been vindictive, we haven’t been horrible. We are just a small company trying to make a living.”

The Cornwall Council West Sub-Area Planning Committee is due to meet on Monday, February 11, in Camborne.