Controversial plans from Eden project co-founder Sir Tim Smit for a new horticulture centre in Lostwithiel have been recommended for approval by Cornwall Council - despite critics saying the potential benefits are "made of smoke and fairydust".

The proposals for Gillyflower Farm have proved contentious with Lostwithiel Town Council saying they could “decimate” the local economy, writes Richard Whitehouse, Local Democracy Reporter.

A full planning application for the development, submitted by Sir Tim and his son Alex, is set to go before Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee on Thursday (April 14).

Planning officers have recommended that councillors should approve the scheme.

Under the plans the development would create the Gillyflower Farm Education Centre for Horticulture, Agronomy and Cookery with a cafe and shop along with 19 holiday lodges, golf reception and new parking and access arrangements.

In the report planning officers state: “The proposal would result in benefit to the agricultural industry by providing a platform for research and education.

"It would also introduce substantial inward investment for the area which in turn would result in the creation of employment opportunities and associated economic growth.

"This is supported by the development plan and weighs in favour of approving the application.”

Planning officers accept that by introducing buildings on an undeveloped site in the countryside the development would harm what is an Area of Great Landscape Value.

However, they say that it would be “slight/moderate” and add: “This proposal will not introduce a feature which is overly jarring or dominant in the landscape.”

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The report going to the strategic planning committee explains that Gillyflower is looking to partner with the likes of Exeter University, Cranfield University, Plymouth University and Heligan Gardens with the work and courses they look to provide.

After consultation plans for a manager’s dwelling were removed from the application and the number of holiday units was cut from 20 to 19. The report also explains that the height of the main hub building has also been reduced by 1.5metres.

However, the plans have been met with a flood of objections – more than 375 public comments have been received on the application with 299 objections and 59 in support.

Local Cornwall councillor Colin Martin has objected along with Lostwithiel Town Council.

Cllr Martin has identified a number of areas of concern including harm to the landscape, historic environment and natural environment.

He is also concerned about highways issues and has described claims about linking the development using public footpaths as “pure fantasy”.

On community benefit Cllr Martin says: “The applicant claims that there is a need for a “world-class school for agronomy and horticulture”, yet we are only six miles from the Eden Project.

"It’s hard to see how this proposed development could be more “world-class” than Eden. And if the purpose is to provide education for locals, why do we need 19 units of student accommodation?

“It appears to me that the “students” at this site will not be locals undergoing long-term training for a new career; they will simply be tourists who want to do a few cookery lessons as part of their holiday in Cornwall.

"I’m sure this will be a popular form of tourism, but let’s not pretend that it’s serious “education”.”

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In concluding his comments he states: “Without a masterplan or business plan, it is impossible to know whether the developers true intentions are.

"The potential benefits of this application are vague and uncertain. They are made of smoke and fairydust and you should weight them accordingly.

"The harms are clear and concrete and therefore must be given greater weight.”

One of the most recent objections on the council’s planning portal is from Freya Libby who states: “As a resident of Lostwithiel I believe this development will be detrimental to the town.

"The damage it will cause the valley and surrounding areas has been completely white washed over.

“The planners and developers have lied on multiple occasions to try and get it passed and I don’t believe a word they say.

"Tim Smit does not give a damn about the local community and has made his views and contempt for the people that live here very public.

"This is purely for greed and lining the pockets of certain people whilst the rest of us and the countryside around this beautiful town suffer.”

The strategic planning committee will meet on Thursday, April 14 at County Hall in Truro to consider the application.