CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a 30-bedroom travel lodge on the edge of Helston were to be discussed by Kerrier councillors yesterday.

Local developer David Martin, of Graceloft Ltd, is seeking outline planning permission for the lodge, a restaurant and parking for 50 cars on land adjacent to phase two of the Clodgey Lane relief road, which is due to be completed later this summer.

The project has received support from some quarters, including members of Helston town council and Kerrier's economic development and tourism department, but faces strong opposition from some local hoteliers. The applicants claim there is a need for additional "quality tourist bedspaces" in Helston, and that there is no site readily available in, or on the edge of, the town centre. The proposed development would not be visually intrusive and would not create additional traffic problems.

Opponents of the scheme include a group of Helston businesses and hoteliers, and the Lizard Peninsula Tourism Association. A petition signed by 21 objectors has been sent to the district council.

The objectors fear the development will have an adverse effect on existing accommodation providers, will set a precedent for further commercial out-of-town development on green fields, thereby "killing" the town, and state that a real need for such a lodge has not been proven.

They are calling for a public meeting to be held to "enable challenges by those