Developer is accused of double standards

A DEVELOPER building luxury houses at a site in south-east Cornwall has objected to a family's new plans for two houses nearby - citing the same reasons that locals objected to its own development.

- OLIVIER VERGNAULT

South Shore Seaton Ltd, which is part of the Truro-based Stephens & Stephens Group, and its director, Paul Stephens, have filed almost identical objections against a proposal by a local family to build the homes for them to live in.

Damon Steward is understood to have inherited the land at Braddel Lodge, Looe Hill, Seaton, from his grandfather and currently lives in his grandmother's house as part of a temporary arrangement. His sister, Laura, who has two young children, lives with her partner, Connor Hill, at Widegates in a small house which does not meet the needs of their growing family.

In a statement on Cornwall Council's planning portal, their agent said: "The applicant, his sister and Connor are local folk, born in Seaton, having there lived there most of their lives. Connor works locally as a much-needed ground worker and builder, Laura has trained as a teacher and again is working in the district, Damon commutes to Plymouth and works as a carpenter for Princess Yachts.

"Although not a direct planning consideration, it does indirectly impact the area if these folks can with their families both contribute to the local workforce and bring the next generation up in their home village. This proposal has sought to carefully consider the present gradients of the site producing a design best suited to these contours and facilitate a build with the least impact on the surrounding environment."

Mr Stephens and his company, South Shore Seaton Ltd, are among 13 objectors (with three in favour) to the development (PA23/06559). His objection, dated February 9, reads: "We believe looking across the valley that the development has already started as shrubs have been stripped and the new proposed houses have been set out. We believe the foundation excavation has already started.