Protest to be held over Sir Tim Smit's latest venture plans in Cornwall
The application for Gillyflower Farm in Lostwithiel has had almost 300 objections
A protest is set to be held outside New County Hall in Truro today before a decision is made on Sir Tim Smit’s latest controversial venture.
Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee is due to meet to discuss a planning application for Gillyflower Farm.
Under the plans submitted by Sir Tim and his son Alex they want to create a new horticulture and agricultural education centre along with 19 holiday lodges and related facilities including a cafe and shop.
However the plans have been met with a chorus of objections from almost 300 people who are concerned about the harm it could cause to the Lostwithiel countryside. The objectors say that the development is not in keeping with the open countryside and will cause significant harm.
Planning officers have recommended that the application should be approved saying that the benefits of the scheme outweigh the harm. They say that the development would boost the economy and create new jobs.
Sir Tim has said that he wants to create a “world class” centre which will offer courses in a variety of subjects related to horticulture, agronomy and catering. The application has highlighted plans to form links with a number of universities and other organisations to deliver courses.
The applicants have also highlighted that, following consultation, they have reduced the height of the main building at the heart of the development, have removed plans for a manager’s home and reduced the number of lodges, albeit by one.
Objectors claim that there is uncertainty about the purpose of the development and suggest that it would be a tourist attraction rather than an educational retreat. They claim that the lodges would be for tourists and not students attending courses.
Lostwithiel Town Council has also objected to the plans along with local Cornwall councillor Colin Martin who described the plans as being made of “smoke and fairy dust”.
Ahead of Thursday’s meeting a protest is being planned by objectors to show the planning committee the strength of feeling against the development. A Facebook page for the event states: “It’s important that as many people as possible come along and show them how we feel about the destruction of our countryside and the impact of this tourist attraction upon our town.”
People are encouraged to bring banners and placards to the event which will take place outside New County Hall before the meeting, which is due to start at 10am on Thursday (14th April).