Neighbouring Cornish towns due to get at least 4,000 new homes
Two neighbouring Cornish towns are due to get at least 4,000 new homes between them following recent planning approvals and pending applications.
Under the Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Cornwall Council must now plan for 4,421 homes annually, a significant increase from the previous 2,707. This shift is prompting a review of the current Local Plan, as older plans may not meet the new housing requirements.
The North Cornwall towns of Bodmin and Wadebridge are particularly inundated with approved or submitted plans for housing, with the Wadebridge area alone in line for at least 2,712 new homes. Bodmin has plans for at least 1,336 also pending.
Housing developments in Bodmin
Work could start soon on a massive new housing development which will see 527 new homes built in Bodmin.
Developers Persimmon Homes Cornwall secured reserved matters approval – detailed plans within a development that already has outline planning permission – from Cornwall Council for the new homes.
The firm said 132 of the 527 homes will be affordable and will be split evenly between affordable rent and shared ownership.
Persimmon claims that the development will unlock more than £3.5 million in developer contributions – which are required as part of planning permission – supporting new community facilities, education and transport improvements across the town.
It said it will includes £1.5 million for education, a further £1.5 million towards transport upgrades and a new bus route, and £370,000 for new traffic lights to improve local highways.
It will also generate ongoing income for public services via council tax and precepts, including £950,000 for Cornwall Council, £137,000 for Devon and Cornwall Police, and £82,000 for Bodmin Town Council every year.
The huge Callywith Urban Village development was submitted to Cornwall Council’s planning department by Devonshire Homes earlier this year.
The hybrid proposal is a full application for 680 homes with associated infrastructure and public open space, and an outline application for accompanying mixed commercial space.
The application was submitted in November 2023 and is still awaiting a decision.
A design statement on behalf of Wain Homes reads: “The site will offer the best of both worlds: urban village with easy access to the Cornish countryside where all residents will enjoy nature on their doorsteps. It will enhance the pedestrian, cycling connections to existing and proposed infrastructure, and introduce new public open space for local residents to enjoy and play.
“The site will provide much-needed housing with a variety of homes created, from smaller starter homes to larger family homes. The vision for St Lawrence is for a green, sustainable and vibrant new neighbourhood that focuses on reconnecting people with nature and prioritises the health and well-being of its local community.
“It will be a flagship new development that is recognised as the main gateway to Bodmin from the west and one that fosters a transition towards a more sustainable lifestyle for the future.”
Following a long debate and talk of refusing the plan, the committee voted to approve the development, which will include 30 per cent affordable housing.