CORNWALL planners have rejected an application for six low cost homes in Latchley after the plan caused outrage in the small village.

The plan by affordable housing specialists Selleck Nicholls was thrown out because of its impact on the World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and because there were alternative sites within the parish which would provide much needed affordable homes with easier access to amenities, shops and local services.

Kelly Bray firm Selleck Nicholls has applied to build six two and three-bedroomed homes and associated parking on a Local Connection Discount Scheme. The company said it would be providing an opportunity for local people to purchase their own homes — a typical two-bed would cost £87,000 — which was a struggle for many with the current prices of open market housing.

Some 40 households in Latchley — there are only 54 in the main part of the village — signed a petition against the scheme or registered their opposition with Cornwall Council. They said the application was unsuitable as the site would only be accessible via narrow lanes.

Calstock Parish Council had unanimously opposed the application.