Plans have been submitted for a rabbit farm at Tregunwith Wood near Mylor Bridge.

If granted permission, temporary rural workers dwelling and an agricultural building would be built to enable the establishment of a free-range rabbit breeding and rearing enterprise.

The proposals see the development of a 250 doe, free-range rabbit production unit over the next three years.

The projected sales of the meat after three years is approximately, but less than 10,000 units per annum.

However, residents are up in arms about the proposals with nearly 80 comments, including an objection from Feock Parish Council.

The parish council said:

"Feock Parish Council consider that the proposed development within the AONB will have an enormous detrimental visual impact and will be clearly seen from Penpol, Point Quay, and the Old Tram Road, Devoran.

"There are also risks of pollution to the creek especially the effect of the high runoff of nitrates which one might assume would be associated with such a project.

"The primary purpose of the AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape, this proposal would be contrary to this aim and therefore we object to this application."

In conclusion, the application reads:

"The proposed development will not result in any harm to the character and appearance of the local area. In addition, the proposal would not result in any adverse impact in respect of the residential amenity to the occupants of nearby residential properties or in respect of highway matters."

Residents in the area voiced their displeasure at the plans with pollution and animal welfare concerns.

One resident commented:

"The creek and surrounding area is universally recognised for its beauty and wildlife but has inevitably been subject to a certain amount of development creep. We are in danger of losing what makes it special. Once gone it can never be replaced.

"Leisure and recreational use of the creek has increased in recent years, from birdwatching to open water swimming, and the recent and ongoing impact of the COVID pandemic has highlighted the physical and mental health benefits of these special areas.

"There is no doubt that this development will be detrimental to those benefits and will seed further development creep."

A second resident commented:

"The whole area is within an area of outstanding natural beauty that must be preserved rather than blighted or destroyed.

"We have not heard of any local demands for rabbit, therefore, the development is not to supply local demands."

A third added:

"I would like to add my objections, as a frequent walker with 3 different local walking groups who regularly enjoy this beautiful area of footpaths, narrow lanes and creeks.

"Any new development in the area with associated access noise, concreting over natural drainage, sewage disposal and disturbance of wildlife would be a backward step in the wrong direction. Peace and quiet and natural beauty is essential as a buffer to modern-day life and should not be belittled or destroyed for commercial gain."

Click here to see the plans and submit comments.

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