Cornwall Council proposals for the Saints Trails multi-user highway development are progressing at a pace.
Once completed, the 30 km network of trails (known collectively as the ‘Saints Trails’) will link Newquay, Perranporth, St Agnes and Truro, providing facilities for cyclists and walkers along the existing A30. For more details on Cornwall Council’s plans, please see here. If you would like to comment on the planning application, this article covers some tips on how to approach it.
Progress of the Saints Trails planning application:
A planning application (Ref PA20/02222) has been submitted for the route between St Agnes and Chiverton Cross with an application for the Newquay to Perranporth section expected later this month.
The submission of planning applications is an important step as the plans submitted with the application show the preferred route and arrangement of the multi-user trail together with supporting information such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA identifies and assesses the environmental consequences of the scheme and outlines the proposed measures to mitigate those effects.
You now have the opportunity to comment on the application. This must be done by the deadline specified in any notice you may have received, any site notices or the date specified in any newspaper adverts. It is important that you keep to these deadlines or any comments you wish to make may not be considered. Any comments you do make will be publically available.
Many comments are likely to be received so how you comment is important.
Here are some points to help:
- Review the applications carefully.
- Do not make your comments overly long.
- If you are raising several issues then using bullet points is advisable.
- If you are objecting make it clear that you object.
- Try not to be emotive and focus on ‘material planning considerations’. These can include:
- Loss of privacy;
- Highway safety;
- Traffic and parking issues;
- Noise, dust, fumes etc;
- Drainage and flood risk;
- Appearance and design;
- Effect on listed buildings and structures;
- Effect on conservation areas, wildlife and nature;
- Government policy; and
- Proposals in the local development plan.
- Try and avoid non-material planning considerations such as :
- Loss of a view;
- Loss of property value;
- Loss of trade;
- Disturbance during development;
- The effects of construction;
- Covenants;
- Rights of way; and
- Personal circumstances.
How we can help:
If you are affected by the current proposals we are offering a free 30 minute consultation to talk through your situation, explain your options and let you know how we can help.
Please contact Tim Walmsley, a Senior Associate in our Real Estate Team on 01872 265104 or t.walmsley@stephens-scown.co.uk.
Tim is a member of the Compulsory Purchase Association and has extensive experience of infrastructure projects and compulsory purchase matters arising from them. He has advised on the promotion and implementation of a number of large transport projects and currently is advising clients who are having land taken for a variety of schemes.
If you would like to receive further updates or information relating to legal matters associated to infrastructure projects and compulsory purchase then please send your contact details and email address to marketing@stephens-scown.co.uk.