Tim Smit's latest plans for Lostwithiel golf course refused

Eden Project co-founder Sir Tim Smit's plans for a golf course in Lostwithiel have been refused.

The application included 19 holiday aparthotel 'domes', a clubhouse, car park, reception and classroom at the already open Gillyflower golf course.

On Thursday the planning committee voted unanimously to refuse, saying the development would harm the landscape and heritage assets.

A previous application was refused after a backlash from locals.

At Thursday's meeting, many councillors commented they had never known so much communication from the public on a single planning application before.

More than 500 comments were left on Cornwall Council's planning portal about the new application, which were more or less evenly split between those in favour and those against, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

Some of the comments were so contentious the council's legal department decided to take them all down.

In the meeting it became clear that the views of two independent professional reports, paid for by objectors thanks to a crowdfunding campaign, had not been seen by committee members as they were among the comments removed from the portal.

Martin Surgey said the council's own report said that the benefit for trade in the town would be "neutral", adding that employment would result in hospitality jobs which "are not in demand, which can be seen by the trouble local pubs, restaurants and hotels have in recruiting staff".

Duncan Tilney represented Sir Tim's son, Alex Smit, who jointly put forward the plan.

Mr Tilney said the delivery of employment was a public benefit weighed against the harm to heritage.

Councillor Colin Martin had called the matter to committee due to the strength of local feeling.

He said: "It comes down to the Area of Great Landscape Value - actually it isn't just an Area of Great Landscape Value, it's the single most prominent hillside in the whole of Lostwithiel."

Councillor John Fitter agreed and said the lodges and car park would be "intruding".

An original application which included holiday lodges, a café and agronomy education centre, was previously refused after locals submitted 300 objections and organised demonstrations.

Councillors were told the applicant would likely appeal and there was already talk of a judicial review.

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