Affordable homes in Penryn are one step closer with an application for 43 flats in the town recommended for approval.

The proposal for 35 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom flats to be built on land adjoining College Hill is due to be considered at a special meeting at Carrick district council next Tuesday.

The planning referrals committee has been recommended to approve the application, provided that a sufficient number of the flats are at affordable prices.

The recommendation is made despite the application being against planning policy, which normally would not allow the loss of commercial properties that would occur from this development.

However, Jim Lee, from development services at Carrick council, wrote in his report to the committee: "I believe there is an argument to be put forward that residential use would be more appropriate on this site and such a planning gain would override the inherent policy objection."

He added that the removal of the existing industrial premises - a former cash and carry and adjoining motor-vehicle repair yard still in business - was not in keeping with the mainly residential area and "its removal could be seen as advantageous."

Mr Lee recommended that approval be given only if agreements were reached over issues relating to highways improvements, financial contributions to open space facilities and education, appropriate planning conditions and the resolution of affordable housing issues. "Should such negotiations be unsuccessful, members are asked to support a recommendation for refusal based on the lack of adequate affordable housing provision," he added. Three letters of objection have been received by the council from nearby residents. They include concerns over an increase of traffic, loss of privacy, problems over the junction and the proposed modern-looking building not being in keeping with the other buildings or character of the Conservation Area.

The application was previously considered by the Carrick council planning committee, who agreed to make no decision and refer the matter to the planning referrals committee to decide on, due to the contradiction with planning policy.