Plans to build five new homes on a site opposite a village cemetery have been rejected - but representatives say the system needs looking at, as local highways concerns could have been overridden by national guidelines.

Chase Oak Homes had applied for planning permission to build the five homes and extend an existing property in Cemetery Road, Albaston, near Gunnislake.

The application went before Cornwall Council’s east planning committee on Monday morning where they were recommended for refusal by county officers on the grounds that the habitat of a population of bats in the area could be affected.

However the committee also heard that there were widespread local concerns about the proposal to narrow Cemetery Road to provide a footway.

Reverend Christopher Painter, rector for the Calstock Parish, said that he was speaking on behalf of many objectors in the area. Explaining that he was also a resident of Albaston, he said of the road narrowing: “It will prevent the parking of the hearse and mourners’ cars next to the cemetery. The cemetery serves the whole parish so access is essential.”

Rev Painter said that local funeral directors had also expressed concerns about the plans, adding that it “would be an act of gross insensitivity”.

Rev Painter said that the local British Legion also opposed the plans as the local War Memorial was located close to the site.

Cornwall Councillor Dorothy Kirk and Calstock Parish Council also objected.

However, the committee heard that Cornwall Council highways officers had not opposed the proposals, and considered the plans acceptable.

Committee member Andrew Long said he did not understand how the officers could take such a view and questioned whether using national guidelines should be used above local evidence.

He said: “I don’t know why we are sacrificing highways safety for homes that will not be affordable for local people.

“I will support the refusal of the application as set out but we really need to do something about how we assess highways issues in rural areas like this.”

The application was proposed for refusal on the grounds stated by planning officers – due to the impact it would have on bats in the area. The proposal was unanimously agreed.By Richard Whitehouse, local democracy reporter