Planning officers have been told to "stop interfering" after seeking support for plans for an out-of-town retail centre in Wadebridge which has been opposed by local councils.
Town and parish councils had agreed to object to plans for three warehouse-style retail units on land on West Hill.
Elliot Osborne – a Wadebridge town councillor, but commenting as a local resident – said he was concerned about a report by a Cornwall Council planning officer urging local councillors to back the application.
The officer had written to St Breock Parish Council, within whose boundary the application site lies, outlining why the plans should be supported, he said.
"This development was to be for large stores such as a large pet shop or electrical shop," he said. "We were clear we weren't in favour.
"We want to protect our town centre and don't want to see it threatened by large out-of-town shops – but the planning officer came forward saying these shops were needed and it would only have a minimal effect on Wadebridge.
"We were incensed by this. We have a thriving pet shop in our town and have a very good electrical shop.
"I don't know where the officer got his information from, but it wasn't from coming into the town and seeing what we have."
Mr Osborne said he was concerned that planning officers were ignoring the views of local councils.
"Local councils are here to represent the local people and we believe that people would want us to protect Wadebridge town centre," he said.
"They're ignoring the local views and knowledge. We have a lovely town here and we're trying to protect it and keep the ethos and character of the town.
"At a time when there's a lot of effort being made to try to regenerate town centres, it seems that planning officers are working against that.
"We need someone to tell Cornwall Council to stop interfering."