Falmouth University Village Recommended for Approval

Despite opposition from a neighbouring parish council, a university village in Falmouth has been recommended for approval.

This relates to concerns over traffic, road safety and a lack of supporting infrastructure in the area from neighbouring Mabe Parish Council.

The plans would see the construction of 1,858 student beds, a new sports pitch and over 12,000 square metres of commercial space.

As well as this the 'student village' will look to feature a nursery, doctors surgery, a pub, a restaurant, a hotel and a range of retail and business start-up units.

According to the plans, the development would be the first zero carbon student accommodation facility in the south of England.

The Falmouth Town Council recommended the application for approval, on the condition that the accommodation cannot be let out over the holidays.

Commenting on the proposal, a spokesperson for Falmouth Council stated: "Recommend approval due to improved highways access with the introduction of a roundabout, altered bus service route and park and change facilities.

"The buildings are of good quality with low carbon rating and the development will alleviate the pressure on Falmouth's housing stock and save family homes.

"The Council's recommendation for approval is subject to condition that all accommodation is for student use only to ensure that the accommodation cannot be used for holiday lets."

Objecting to the plans, a spokesperson for Mabe Parish Council commented: "The parish council objects to this application, and reserves the option to submit further comment, pending meeting with the applicant to hear their explanation of the plans and time to study the considerable amount of paperwork associated with the application. The reasons for the council's objection at this stage are concerns raised by this council regarding the original application at this site have not been addressed.

"Concern at road safety, the proposal for students to walk from the site to campus is not considered sufficient, and any aspirational plans should be either made into firm plans, or discounted, if there is no commitment to implement them.

"If a walled path is created, as per the aspiration given, then this raises safety concerns for lone and vulnerable walkers.

"Concern that the additional traffic generated by the development would have a negative impact on traffic flow in the area and has the likelihood to increase congestion.

"There appears to have been an increase to 2,000 units proposed, although the figures given in the application papers are inconsistent, some still refer to 1,858 units."