Cornwall Councillors visit new Helston housing development

Our Cornwall and West Devon region has welcomed Cornwall councillors for a visit of their major new site in Helston to mark the start of construction of quality new homes for local people.

Cornwall Council Leader, Cllr Linda Taylor, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, Cllr Oliver Monk, and Divisional Ward Councillor, Cllr Guy Foreman, joined Persimmon Cornwall and West Devon at its new Trehenlis Gardens development for a briefing and tour of the site.

The region recently secured planning permission on its first phase at Helston that will see the delivery of 94 quality new homes, 19 of which will be transferred to a housing association partner to support the local community’s housing need.

The scheme will deliver enhanced walking and cycling routes, road access, public open spaces, and includes the retention of the existing landscape structure. The development also benefits from being within close distance of educational, recreational, and retail facilities, in addition to having direct links to local bus stops.

The wider site at Helston has outline permission for 404 new homes, with plans for the second phase submitted for examination to Cornwall Council in April.

Commenting on the visit, Persimmon Homes Cornwall and West Devon’s Interim Managing Director Andy Hill said:

“We’re delighted to announce that our local workforce has commenced construction at Trehenlis Gardens, and it was a pleasure to mark this milestone by welcoming Cornwall Council's leadership and the local member to our new site.

“As a business, Persimmon Cornwall is committed to providing high-quality, much-needed homes for local people, and we can only achieve this by working constructively with our key stakeholders, partners, and the community.

“Given the well-known housing crisis in Cornwall, we are making a substantial investment through this development. This includes the transfer of a significant proportion of the homes to a local housing association partner, which will help ease the pressure on local housing need.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with Cornwall Council and the local community to deliver on all aspects of this high-quality scheme, ensuring that we deliver a positive and lasting legacy in Helston.”

Cornwall Council Leader, Cllr Linda Taylor, added:

 “Tackling the housing crisis is one of our top priorities and as a Council we are investing in building new homes for social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership across Cornwall.

“Alongside this, its important developers understand the role they have in delivering the affordable housing element of open market schemes. 

“Therefore, I am always pleased to see affordable housing being delivered to meet local housing need.”