PROPOSALS for the construction of 30 homes on land near Bude has been approved by Cornwall Council’s east sub area planning committee.

The council’s planning committee considered the proposals by Tamar Land and Property Company who were seeking outline planning permission for the construction of 30 homes on land adjacent to Beulah, Poughill Road, Bude.

It had been referred to the planning committee by the chief planning officer due to concerns raised by Bude-Stratton Town Council over the potential convergence of the distinct settlements of Flexbury and Poughill.

The town council’s planning committee also said that it felt that the access was unsuitable due to the access being on a blind bend, the potential loss of species rich Cornish hedge bank, the lack of surface water infiltration on the land, accumulative flood risk and encroachment on landscape.

The planning agent for the applicant, James Trewin told councillors that a ‘generous’ open space to the east of the site would protect the landscape buffer between the two settlements, particularly at ground level.

Cllr Adrian Parsons, the chair of the committee, said that the loss of agricultural land was “regrettable”.

The committee decided by a unanimous vote to support the proposals, which will now progress to a reserved matters stage.