A plot of land in Newquay has been bought by Cornwall Council as part of its commitment to provide quality homes for local people.

The land in Newquay has been bought as part of the Council's Housing Development Programme (HDP) which will see the local authority investing up to £200 million in directly building and providing 1,000 new homes by 2022 on sites across Cornwall – all for local households.

The site at Trevithick Farm, Trevemper, Newquay already has planning permission for up to 455 homes. The Council intends to build around 150 homes through its Housing Development Programme with the intention of starting on site in about two years' time.  It is envisaged that the remainder of the site will be developed by a housebuilder or Registered Provider, or provide an opportunity for the Council to build additional affordable, supported or extra care housing.

Homes are already being built by the Council as part of the Housing Development Programme on two pilot sites in Bodmin and Tolvaddon, which between them will see the delivery of 113 homes. Both sites will have properties to rent or to buy. Other sites in Launceston and Redruth are also in the process of being purchased and will be added to development sites in Liskeard and Torpoint which the Council already owns.

The developments will be a mix of homes for private market rent, affordable rent, shared ownership and private market ownership.

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for homes Andrew Mitchell said: "Cornwall needs more homes – both to rent and to buy – and the Council is seizing the initiative to provide those homes. For example, in Newquay there are more than 1,500 applicants on the Cornwall Homechoice register who have stated Newquay as their first preference.  The proposed development in Newquay could eventually provide over 400 new homes which will go some way towards addressing that need. 

This is about providing good quality healthy homes that local people want to live in, with space, gardens, parking and which are well designed with low energy costs."

John Fitter, Cornwall Councillor for St Mawgan and Colan said: "I am very pleased that Cornwall Council is investing in the supply of housing stock for the community who are in need of homes and who live in and around the Newquay area. This will be a quality development embracing energy saving features which will reduce the cost of heating in the colder months and contribute to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the development. Colan Parish Council along with myself welcome this Cornwall Council project."   

The Council will deliver a mix of property sizes, types and tenures to meet local needs. Some will be for private rent, providing quality, choice and greater security for those in the private rented sector with five-year tenancies as standard. Some will be sold at market prices and others will be for affordable rent or shared ownership.

All the affordable and rental homes built as part of the Housing Development Programme will be allocated to households who have a local connection to Cornwall, either through residency, employment or close family connections.

As has happened with the pilot schemes in Bodmin and Tolvaddon, the Council will be working with the local community and taking on board their views when designing the homes and the environment around the neighbourhood.

 

Story posted 05 December 2018