Our Cornwall region has submitted an outline application to bring much-needed new homes to St Austell.

If successful, our Cornwall & West Devon region will secure outline planning consent, establishing the principle of development, for up to 325 homes, paving the way for more detailed applications.

We've undertaken extensive engagement with the local communities in advance of the submission, working closely with the Council, its Design Review Panel, and members of its planning committees in addition to speaking with consultees, offering to the Town Council, and undertaking a public consultation.

25% of the properties at the site, located at Gewan’s Farm, will be transferred to a local housing association, helping to lower the local housing waiting list which, at over 25,000 households, is one of Britain’s longest. Approval would trigger millions of pounds of infrastructure investment from Persimmon.

Meanwhile, the development will make use of tree and hedgerow retention and planting to create a natural feel to the area alongside the ecological enhancements provided through a sustainable drainage system and wildlife corridors, leading a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain. The site will also deliver 15% canopy cover and a community orchard.

A significant proportion of the site will remain reserved for new high-quality green infrastructure, comprising areas for ecological enhancement, separate central and country parks, teenage provision, and equipped, natural, and accessible green play areas.

The scheme will be benefit from connecting into the existing public right of way network, the nearby supermarket, town centre, and local allotments in addition to cycleways, emphasising how the development will fit into town and promote active travel to make use of amenities.

The news follows another application from us to bring up to 300 new homes to Saltash. We're also currently building in Bodmin, Falmouth, Helston, and Newquay.

Commenting on the application, Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon managing director, Andy Hill, said “We’re very pleased to be bring forward this outline application to bring 325 new homes to St Austell, meeting a variety of housing with an ambitious vision that has nature at its heart.

“Persimmon has taken great care to ensure that the scheme would slot in nicely with existing development and travel connections, ensuring this feels like a garden village in St Austell.

“We will continue to work closely with a number of authorities and stakeholders so we can get planning consent and invest millions of pounds in the local infrastructure to the benefit of our potential customers and existing residents alike.”