Plans to build 22 affordable homes in a village have been objected to by a parish council which says that there is no need for them.

Westcountry Land (St Agnes) Ltd has submitted a full planning application to build a total of 39 homes on land at Penwinnick Road in St Agnes, including 22 affordable homes.

However St Agnes Parish Council has objected to the plans on several grounds including stating that the development is “not required”.

In their “strong objection” the parish council’s reasons are given as: “Development not required and village infrastructure cannot withstand the development, the 2010-2030 housing target has been met. Harm to village character and does not reflect mining heritage.

Photomontage showing how the proposed housing development in St Agnes could look

Photomontage showing how the proposed housing development in St Agnes could look

"Outside the settlement boundary and vehicle access is onto a busy road. Lack of sustainable transport proposals. Inadequate affordable housing provision. Lack of renewable energy proposals and no provision for specialist housing for the disabled or elderly. Harm to biodiversity.”

The parish council’s comments stating that the development is not required is in contrast to rising concerns across Cornwall about a housing crisis which has left people unable to find affordable housing to rent or buy.

Affordable housing officers at Cornwall Council have supported the planning application, which they say would help provided homes for local people.

The planning application is set to go before Cornwall Council’s central sub-area planning committee on Monday, October 25 with planning officers recommending that it is approved.

In their report to the committee officers state that it is a rural exception site for affordable housing and that the 22 homes would meet “identified local need” which is “a strong consideration in favour of the application”.

Photomontage showing how the proposed housing development in St Agnes could look

Photomontage showing how the proposed housing development in St Agnes could look

Planning officers have highlighted the local concerns about the impact on infrastructure but say that a legal agreement to provide funding for educational provision and public open space would address those concerns.

The report states that the developers had originally wanted to build 42 homes on the site but this was reduced to 39 after public consultation about the proposals.

An earlier application had also included a convenience store on site but this has since been removed from the plans.

The planning application has attracted more than 100 objections on the council’s planning portal. Objectors have highlighted concerns about a number of issues including road safety, the number of affordable homes, lack of parking and light pollution.

Cornwall Council’s central sub-area planning committee will meet on October 25 to decide the application.