Plans by the co-founder of the Eden Project to build a new attraction in Lostwithiel have attracted objections from locals.

Sir Tim Smit, with his son Alex, is looking to build an educational facility and attraction on the former Lostwithiel Golf Course.

Gillyflower Farm would have orchards, a distillery, microbrewery and 20 accommodation units, as well as a house for the owner/manager.

A planning application was submitted to Cornwall Council for the development last week. However it has attracted a number of objections from local people.

Jane Stanley said: “This proposed development is completely unnecessary and unwelcome Lostwithiel has orchards galore, loads of holiday accommodation, a regular farmers market, loads of cafes and restaurants and who needs a cookery school?

“It’s outside of the permitted and agreed neighbourhood plan for the town, would take business away from the town and cause major congestion on the access roads as well as parking mayhem.

“Mr Smit seems to think that by presenting it a something unique, a saviour, environmentally enriching and getting a five min slot on Rick Stein’s Cornwall will ensure its future.

“I’ve not met anyone who wants it, we want our town to flourish not an out of town tourist attraction that lines the pockets of its investors! Look, Mr Smit is a businessman but that does not mean he knows what’s best for us as a community. Plenty of room to expand Eden or Heligan or do it in Charlestown but please please not here!”

South West Farmer: CGI of the proposed main building - The Hub - at Gillyflower Farm in LostwithielCGI of the proposed main building - The Hub - at Gillyflower Farm in Lostwithiel

Lynn Brampton said: “One word. NO. This proposal is far too big for Lostwithiel, and would take away a lot of trade and create far too much traffic for this small town.

“The buildings are ugly and dominant and 20 holiday units and a four bedroom house for the owner, its obviously a very ambitious plan for Tim Smit on the scale of Eden and Heligan but it’s not in keeping at all with the neighbouring Estates of Duchy and Lanhydrock.

“It’s a giant leap from his original video proposal where he is speaking about orchards and rare cider apple trees and plants.”

South West Farmer: CGI of the planned accommodation units - The Drums - at Gillyflower Farm in LostwithielCGI of the planned accommodation units - The Drums - at Gillyflower Farm in Lostwithiel

Charlotte Dixon said: “I question the need for this development on the following grounds. The town of Lostwithiel is amply served by a distillery – Colwith Farm; farmers’ market – Community Centre; cafe/restaurant – in town as well as the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery. This development will be in direct competition to these and other businesses.

“Additional large house – I believe the owner has an existing property nearby and see no reason why his presence will be required 24/7 on the site.”

South West Farmer: CGI of the planned accommodation units - The Drums - at Gillyflower Farm in LostwithielCGI of the planned accommodation units - The Drums - at Gillyflower Farm in Lostwithiel

She added: “We have seen many beautiful towns and villages ruined by tourist developments in Cornwall. Lostwithiel is one of the few pretty towns which has so far evaded the curse of the tourist industry and kept its strong community. This is something the residents of Lostwithiel are proud of and have no wish to risk losing this by the introduction of an unnecessary development on our outskirts.”

The plans have also attracted strong debate on the Lost Voice Facebook group with more than 190 comments posted about the proposals.

While some give their support to the plans others are not convinced that they are appropriate for the town.

Jack Saundry said: “Looking at the plans I’m struggling to see how applying to build what looks more like a rich man’s holiday retreat outside the agreed neighbourhood development plan could be allowed.”

He adds: “Don’t we already have a farmer’s market in the town and wouldn’t the building of a restaurant and other facilities outside the town just serve to undermine and take trade from the struggling hospitality business in the town centre already?”