Plans for two new towns

News Archive > General > Plans for two new towns

Warren Wilkins22/02/2012

HUGE plans to build two eco towns in the Newquay area – that would accommodate nearly 7,000 new homes – are in the pipeline.

Potential eco community sites have been shortlisted at Degembris and Nanclear farms in the St Newlyn East parish and at Ruthvoes and Quoit farms at St Columb Major.
Cornwall Council is considering the schemes as part of its commitment to achieve a target of 48,000 new homes being built across the county over the next 20 years.

The unitary authority is looking at the idea of new “free standing settlements”, as well as growth throughout towns and villages.

The new eco towns will aim to provide at least 30% affordable housing and access to one employment per new dwelling that is easily reached by walking, cycling or public transport. They should also achieve sustainability standards “significantly above equivalent levels of
development in existing towns and cities”, as well as provide increased commitment and infrastructure for sustainable energy.

The two potential eco community sites in the Newquay area are among 11 that have been put forward for consideration across Cornwall after passing stringent assessment tests. It follows Cornwall Council asking landowners, developers and agents last year whether they were interested in the eco communities scheme.

The Degembris and Nanclear farms site covers 142 hectares and could
accommodate 3,398 homes, while Ruthvoes and Quoit farms would see  3,354 homes on 141 hectares.

Residents are being asked about their views on the plan at a Core Strategy roadshow which will be staged at St Michael’s Church Hall on Friday, February 24 between 12 noon and 7pm.

Steve Havers, strategic policy manager for planning and regeneration at Cornwall Council, said: “We are consulting on the emerging Core Strategy. Within the document we ask whether we should have general growth in towns and villages and whether we should
consider freestanding new settlements. They are not council supported sites at this point. We brought the option forward after testing the water to see if there was some interest.

“We’re asking people what they think about it. This is an option. The council is keen to
understand whether there would be local support, in principle, to develop these sites as new eco communities.”

Roger Tym and Partners, who were commissioned by Cornwall Council to undertake a Cornwall Core Strategy Eco-developments Study to identify potential new sites, stated:“Among the sites which, at this stage, appear to have the least number of issues that may complicate their development is Ruthvoes and Quoit farms, St Columb.

“Degembris and Nanclear farms scored lowest among the four standalone sites assessed, primarily due to its lower score on proximity to strategic highways and landscape character.

“The two sites are capable of supporting their own services. They are located in an area with high job density within 30 minutes drive time.

“As a result it is recommended the sites are shortlisted for a standalone eco community development provided that developers agree to deliver an eco community at least to the standards defined in local or national policies on eco developments.”

Residents have already expressed concern. Colin Hawke from St Newlyn East said: “At first it doesn’t sound too bad until you look at the detail – 3,400 homes in 142 hectares of agricultural land. This is a small town bigger than the size of Padstow. In 2009, St Newlyn East had a population of 891.

“This would be a dormitory town with no natural connections or
attachment to the rest of the parish. There must be a real concern that such a development could draw the lifeblood from both Mitchell and Newlyn East, irreparably damaging these communities.

“Sustainable growth should build upon existing communities’ character and qualities, not impose a completely new community upon us.”