Protests have begun over plans to build 121 homes on the outskirts of Penryn.

Developer RJ Walker has applied for planning permission for houses on land at College Farm, north of the A39 Penryn Bypass and west of Hillhead Road.

His application covers all reserved matters for the scheme that also includes open space, play space, access and parking.

The scheme includes 35 per cent affordable house - 42 homes - with 25 per cent of the affordable rented units being accessible.

The application site includes a narrow strip of land south of College Hill, which is a proposed pedestrian and cycle link on to College Hill and connecting with Hillhead road.

However, a number of people have now spoken out to protest about the plans, which remain open for public consultation until this Wednesday, April 1.

Cornwall Council has so far received 59 letters of objection, which list concerns over the effect on the woodland and environment, risk of flooding, increase in traffic and additional pressure on services such as school and doctor surgeries. There are currently no letters of support.

Falmouth Packet:

An aerial view of the site location

Jane Leigh summed up concerns listed in many letters, writing: "It would destroy a historic site, a public open space with rights of way to roam, and an ancient woodland which is vital for biodiversity and for public enjoyment.

"Falmouth needs more homes but not at the expense of open space and woodland.

"The resulting development would also lead to a big increase in traffic in the immediate vicinity on roads that aren't suitable for more vehicle use."

Conditional outline planning permission has already been granted for up to 150 residential units - including 35 per cent affordable housing - following an application in August 2017.

Budock Parish Council offered support and Penryn Town Council raised no objections, although had concerns over access and flooding, asking for a plan to be drawn up. Cornwall Council received 62 letters of public objection.

Case officer Peter Bainbridge subsequently gave conditional approval, saying the proposed development formed one of the sites that Cornwall Council had allocated to meet the housing needs of Penryn up to 2030.

He said there "would be a number of benefits" including affordable housing in line with policy, off-site highway improvements and "ecological enhancements", and that while the loss of agricultural land would have a negative impact it was "not significant."

"Any adverse impact on heritage assets would result in less than substantial harm and would, if harm arises, be more than outweighed by the public benefit," he added.

Falmouth Packet:

The houses would be painted different colours to help provide variety

This application is now for the specific details of the development, with a reduction to 121 homes.

However, Emily Brand said traffic had "increased so much" since outline permission was granted, adding: "The recent houses that have been built in the area since 2017 have impacted terribly on the local amenities – schools, GPs, dentists and Treliske are completely over run – another issue that should be re-evaluated."

She said a petition against the development was now underway.

David Capps also pointed out that since outline approval was granted, Cornwall Council had declared a climate emergency.

Budock Parish Council has again offered no objection to this latest application, but highlighted "very serious concerns" for the safety of an increased number of pedestrians using Hillhead.

"Priority must be given to improving the public safety on Hillhead Road. Speed reduction measures and the provision of a pavement need addressing," added councillors.

Penryn Town Council has yet to respond on this new application.