PLANS to transform an eight-acre farm near Pensilva into a community-focused hub for regenerative agriculture, education and rural enterprise have been approved by Cornwall Council.

The proposals for Tregovenek, off Attwood Lane, include a new community hub, three polytunnels, car parking and the rebuilding of an existing workshop.

Permission has also been granted retrospectively for an accessible compost toilet already constructed.

The application was submitted by Fiona Wood on behalf of Tregovenek Ltd Community Benefit Society.

Tregovenek describes itself as a farming organisation aiming to create a sustainable, community-owned and community-run farm.

Antony Waters, who is involved with the organisation, said: “Obviously, we are very happy that we have the approval. We still have some conditions to deal with, and for us, as a community benefit society with limited funds and limited capacity to raise funds at the moment, that is a little bit of a fly in the ointment.

“But it is amazing that we have it, and we’re very happy that we’re able to do what we’re planning on doing.”

The approved plans will allow the site to operate as a mixture of agriculture, community facilities and workshops.

The proposed community hub will provide space for events, courses, workshops, open days and presentations linked to regenerative agriculture.

The ecological building will have a timber frame, straw-bale walls, accessible entrances and a kitchen. The existing etching workshop will be demolished and rebuilt on a smaller footprint.

The replacement will contain two workshop units for rural enterprise, crafts, agriculture, environmental, educational and community-related activities.

Three polytunnels will support sheltered growing, while a new access and car parking area will provide off-road parking for visitors.

The project has also developed a community garden with help from local volunteers. Its wider aims include creating employment and training opportunities, improving food resilience, restoring soil, increasing biodiversity and providing greater access to nature.

The organisation has hosted more than 40 events and more than 600 people have contributed to its vision. More than 30 local volunteers are involved across seven working groups.

The project has raised £430,000 in loan stock to purchase the site and developed links with local schools, councils and Plymouth University.

Antony said the organisation was about more than simply growing food.

“Building the community and having something meaningful to do is as much a part of it as trying to actually grow something that’s edible,” he said.

The site will combine farming, community facilities and enterprise.

Cornwall Council’s approval comes with conditions, including a requirement for development to begin within three years and for work to follow the approved plans.

A Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan must also be agreed, with biodiversity improvements managed for 30 years.

Tree protection measures must also be approved before construction or demolition starts, while workshop units will be restricted to specified rural, craft, agricultural, environmental, educational and community-related uses.

The approval marks a step forward for Tregovenek’s plans to create a ‘place of hope’ for the community.