Came across this article about the proposed development off Tregundy Lane, which would be behind Silver Spray on Droskyn Point.
Will worms topple bid for 39 homes?
Thursday, June 23, 2011, 09:00
PLANS to build 39 homes on farmland in Perranporth have sparked complaints from conservationists and residents, who are calling for it to be declared a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).
A colony of about 77 slow worms has been found on the five-acre site off Tregundy Lane along with
numerous birds and other protected species.
And 226 residents living near the proposed development are submitting a petition calling for the application to be rejected and the proposed estate, which includes 26 affordable homes,
moved to a different location.
Giving its initial response to the outline planning submission by Tescan Ltd, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s deputy conservation manager, Cheryl Marriot, said the site was likely to qualify as a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitat.
In a letter to Cornwall Council’s planners stating the trust was likely to object to the application, she said:
“…it is likely this site will suffer an overall negative impact post-development due to the loss of BAP habitats and the impact upon slow worms”.
Father of four Robert Pearson, who has lived on Droksyn Way for 12 years, said the development sits next to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) where there are 90 species of butterflies and moths.
He said: “People want affordable houses but these are likely to be too expensive. There is massive opposition to the scheme which borders the heritage coast.
“I have contacted several wildlife groups. We want the area to remain unspoilt. It hasn’t been touched for more than 20 years and is a beautiful site which we want to protect and get declared an SSSI.”
He has written to Minister for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste Joan Ruddock asking for her support.
To offset the environmental impact, independent ecological consultants, commissioned by Tescan Ltd, said the slow worms could be relocated, which would take up to 90 visits to an alternative location.
A wildlife reserve would also be maintained at the site and bird and bat boxes placed on the new homes.
Up to 187m of new Cornish hedgerows would also be created.
Councillor Ken Yoe said the plans were still at the early stage and it was important to balance the needs of those wanting affordable homes and the environmental impact.
He said concerns had also been raised regarding the access along Cliff Hill.
There are about 130 people in the resort, he added, on the register for local affordable housing.