Landslide fears over new Looe housing plans

Outline planning permission is being sought for 43 homes next to the Barratt Estate

Some residents in Looe are concerned about a housing development planned for an area prone to landslides.

They feel the water run off from the development could put properties below at risk.

The Diocese of Truro wants to put 43 homes opposite Salter Close.

The development was discussed at a packed meeting of Looe Town Council's planning committee, where many local people expressed anger.

Catherine Jenner says she is frightened by the risk of landslides

In 2013 a landslide caused the death of Susan Norman whose home in Looe was engulfed in mud and rubble after 72 hours of heavy rain.

Looe Councillor Jasper Graham-Jones said: "We've seen the death of one woman and we don't want to see this again."

On Wednesday, following heavy rain, there were further landslips in the area.

Catherine Jenner moved to Sandplace Road next-door to the house where Mrs Norman was killed.

She said she was led to believe it was a one-off freak accident.

"Since living here and gaining knowledge of the area, I've learned that not to be true."

"I'm quite scared actually," she said.

Outline planning permission is being sought for the homes, next to the Barratt Estate, by the Diocese of Truro.

The Diocese was asked about the concerns expressed by residents and said in a statement: "The only reason outline planning permission, which includes 13 affordable homes, was sought for this area was because it had been put forward by the community in Looe for development for homes.

"Given that, we are confused by the outcome of the meeting. This is land specifically allocated by the town council and residents of Looe.

"We will have to wait and see what Cornwall Council decide having heard from the various statutory agencies and on advice from the planning officer."

It added there are currently 221 families on the housing register waiting for affordable homes in Looe, and the site proposed is the only one allocated for homes in the town for the next 10 years.

James Lundy the chairman of the planning committee said he was "appalled" by the application.

He said: "We're now 11 years down the line and we're going full circle to have the same again.

"This is wrong for Looe, we know it's wrong, how could we possibly see a development of this nature again?"

Members of the Planning Committee voted against the outline plans for the housing development which will now be determined by Cornwall Council.