Outline plans for up to 140 homes submitted

Homes could be built in fields at Castle Horneck near the youth hostel

An outline planning application has been submitted for up to 140 homes in six fields next to the youth hostel in Penzance.

The application for the site at Castle Horneck has been lodged with Cornwall Council by developer South West Strategic Developments.

It proposes accessing the planned estate by the A3071 and providing a safe crossing over the A30 linking Penzance to the estate, along with community orchards.

It also plans to include some affordable homes for rent and shared ownership.

An artist's impression of the site in west Cornwall

The design and access statement said the builds would be "inspired by influences from the historic centre of Penzance" and "seeks to promote character and quality".

The site is close to Millennium Wood which is a Local Green Space and the Lesingey Round monument is on private land nearby, but will not be affected by the development, according to the statement.

It said views towards the site from the Grade II* listed youth hostel were "found to be heavily restricted by mature vegetation".

Boundary trees in existing hedgerows will be kept "as far as possible" and a small amount of hedgerow would need to be removed for access, the statement said.

New tree planting would also be considered, it added.

The outline plans will be discussed at a later date.