A LANDOWNER wishing to build an affordable housing-led scheme in the Tamar Valley has approached Cornwall Council for advice.
Owner of the Highcroft Nursery in Cargreen, Barry Richards, has submitted a pre-planning enquiry for land on the northern edge of the village.
The proposal for the almost two-acre plot would be for a low-density development of up to around 12 houses, although details will be decided based on the feedback received from the county’s Affordable Housing team and others.
The triangular site is located off Coombe Lane and adjoins existing houses in Coombe Drive.
Visibility could be improved for vehicles exiting the proposed development by setting back a hedge in the area of the existing access point, says the applicant, or alternatively a new access could be created to the south. The land in question was first put forward as a potential site for housing in 2013.
At the time, the response from the planning department was that “while there is an evidenced need for affordable homes in the parish, there is considered to be a more suitable site in the village that is being progressed”.
The site referred to here, says the applicant, is the former Rosehill Nursery, where planning permission has twice been refused, with the most recent refusal being the subject of an appeal. Much has changed in terms of planning policy since 2013, argues agent Whitehead Planning, who says that they’re confident the project would fulfil the requirements of a rural exception scheme for affordable housing.
Landulph Parish Council has been appraised of the proposal, says the agent, and discussions would be conducted with the council and wider community depending on the response to the initial pre-planning enquiry.