A row has erupted over plans to allow vehicles on a section of Cornwall's £13 million Saints Trail, with locals branding it "an accident waiting to happen."

The proposal would see cars and campervans using part of the popular walking and cycling route to access a new glamping site, reports CornwallLive.

Concerned residents are set to protest at a Cornwall Council planning meeting on Monday as officials consider whether to approve the controversial application.

The trail, which opened in 2023, connects Perranporth and Goonhavern.

The start of the Saints Trail

Under the plans, vehicles would be permitted to use a narrow 100-metre section of the trail to access four new camping pitches at Cocks, roughly halfway along the route. The land is currently used for grazing ponies.

The application also includes a horse-box trailer for selling refreshments and retention of a facilities block with toilets, shower and office.

Users of the trail have taken to it in great numbers since opening, appreciating the opportunity to escape busy local roads.

A spokesman for the Friends of the Saints Trail group said: "It's an accident waiting to happen. The trail at this point is so narrow, it's impossible to pass a vehicle, let alone see one coming due to the bend in the lane and the tight corner."

The Saints Trail has proved popular with families

The group added: "How is it safe for a load of cars and vans to be driving along a narrow cycle trail, several times a day each, right into the path of kids on bikes, or meeting horses or electric wheelchairs coming the other way?"

They fear someone will "get badly hurt" if the plans proceed. Perranzabuloe Parish Council has formally objected to the application, stating it is "unneighbourly and represents development in the countryside".

Cornwall councillor Steve Arthur has also opposed the plans and brought the matter to today's planning committee.

Concerned locals have raised funds to commission an independent highways expert, Jon Pearson, to assess the scheme. His report was described as "damning", highlighting dangers to children and horses, as well as fire safety concerns due to the access being too tight for emergency vehicles.

Despite the opposition, Cornwall Council's planning department has recommended approval of the application. Officials argue the proposal is "appropriate in scale" and consider traffic to and from the site would be "modest".

A committee report notes the track is already used by vehicles for maintenance and pony care. The highways development management officer visited the site and concluded that despite being narrow, the track offers "sufficient visibility" for oncoming vehicles and other users.

Campaigners fear approval would set a precedent for development along other cycle routes being created across Cornwall.

The Saints Trail has previously been described as a "disaster" for Cornwall Council after the original scheme had to be scaled back.