THE controversial Food Park development that could "dwarf" the villages of Chacewater and Blackwater has moved a step closer to reality.

Carrick district council's planning committee voted nine to six in favour of a proposal to build a 300,000 sq ft food processing and distribution centre at Hallenbeagle, in the near Scorrier.

At the planning meeting around 50 local people attended at Carrick's chambers to hear the decision, including representatives from the Hallenbeagle Action Group - which was set up to fight the scheme.

But they were horrified when three Carrick members - including John Carley, the member for Chacewater - were denied a vote after they declared an interest in the project.

Diane Sexton, a member of the action group, said locals were further dismayed by the apparent lack of willingness on behalf of some members to even discuss the scheme.

She said: "Those who voted in favour of the scheme did not seem interested in having a debate. They just wanted to get it over and done with."

Mrs Sexton added that locals now feel like none of their elected representatives are fighting their corner.

The scheme will accommodate up to 50 small and medium businesses, create 300 jobs and help the local farming economy, according to the company behind the scheme - Hallenbeagle Estates.