Backing for new plan by Tim Smit

CONTROVERSIAL plans from Eden Project co-founder Sir Tim Smit to create a new horticulture centre in Lostwithiel have been recommended for approval by Cornwall Council.

The proposals for Gillyflower Farm have proved contentious, with Lostwithiel Town Council saying they could “decimate” the local economy.

A full planning application for the development, submitted by Sir Tim and his son Alex, is set to go before Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee next week. Planning officers have recommended that councillors should approve the scheme.

Under the plans, the development would create the Gillyflower Farm Education Centre for Horticulture, Agronomy and Cookery, with a cafe and shop, along with 19 holiday lodges, golf reception and new parking and access arrangements.

In the report planning officers state: “The proposal would result in benefit to the agricultural industry by providing a platform for research and education.

“It would also introduce substantial inward investment for the area, which in turn would result in the creation of employment opportunities and associated economic growth. This is supported by the development plan and weighs in favour of approving the application.”

Planning officers accept that by introducing buildings on an undeveloped site in the countryside, the development would harm what is an Area of Great Landscape Value. However, they say that the damage would be “slight/moderate” and add: “This proposal will not introduce a feature which is overly jarring or dominant in the landscape.”

The report going to the strategic planning committee explains that Gillyflower is looking to partner with Exeter University, Cranfield University, Plymouth University and Heligan Gardens.

After consultation, plans for a manager’s dwelling were removed from the application and the number of holiday units was cut from 20 to 19. The report also explains that the height of the main hub building has also been reduced by 1.5metres.

However, the plans have been met with a flood of objections – more than 375 public comments have been received on the application, with 299 objections and 59 in support. Local Cornwall councillor Colin Martin has objected, along with Lostwithiel Town Council.

Cllr Martin says there will be harm to the landscape, the historic environment and natural environment. He is also concerned about traffic and said claims about visitors using public footpaths were “pure fantasy”.