Helston Hospital Cross development "unlikely" to have significant effects on the environment, say planners

A next step has been taken in the development at Hospital Cross as a "screening opinion" has been lodged.

Recently, consultation results for the development of a retail park on the site came out as 228 comments in support, 131 comments of objection and 35 impartial comments or observations.

A screening opinion was submitted late last week, what is screening opinion?

A screening opinion lets you find out whether a proposal needs an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before making a planning application. A request for a screening opinion will normally include a plan identifying the land.

Christian Fisk, Senior Planner, wrote that they do not believe the environmental impacts will be significant given the development and location of the site.

He added:

"Whilst the site is situated Helston's built-up south periphery, the design of the planned retail development greatly reduces the wider landscape impact, and the operations ensure the other environmental impacts are limited to the site. As such, the development impact is considered to be confined to the immediate vicinity of the site.

"The nature of the potential impacts arising from the proposed development are predictable and therefore, considered to be low. The impacts will include air quality and noise impacts arising from traffic, and temporary impacts arising from the construction phase. However, the impacts are not considered to be significant."

They concluded:

"As set out in the letter, the proposed development is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment, in virtue of its nature, size or location, and consequently does not require an EIA."

The status of this screening request is pending, stating a three-week timeframe.

Click here to see the full report.

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