Truro 1,500 homes plan moves step closer (From Falmouth Packet)

Truro 1,500 homes plan moves step closer

9:37am Wednesday 1st August 2012 in News

PLANS to build 1,500 new homes on the outskirts of Truro have moved a step closer to reality after the Government announced it would not block the development.

The huge new estate would be built on land at Langarth Farm at Threemilestone, with work set to start on the site as early as next year.

Cornwall Council has already voted to narrowly in support of the plans, but will have to give the project final approval before it can go ahead.

However, despite a general outcry over the size of the development, only 11 letters of objection were received by the authority.

The plans were submitted alongside proposals to build a 10,000 seater stadium on neighbouring land, but funding issues have left those plans in limbo.

However, the Stadium for Cornwall Working Group has welcomed the decision to give the housing plans the go-ahead.

A statement issued by the group said: “The S4C Group are delighted to hear the news that the Secretary of State, Mr. Eric Pickles, has given the go ahead for the residential led development at Langarth.

“This announcement not only secures the stadium site but also ensures the future delivery of the infrastructure needed to service the stadium. “We are also hopeful that this news will enable the stadium project to progress to the next stage via the submission of a detailed planning application.

“We have been working hard behind the scenes to attract investment into the stadium project and have had interest from several parties, details of which have been passed onto Cornwall Community Stadium Ltd.

“Community interest towards a stadium at Langarth continues at a significant pace and we will be pressing Cornwall Council to look again at the opportunity to become part of this venture and to make it truly a stadium for the community.”

The new housing estate would see infrastructure including a new primary school, shops, a new hotel and an extended park and ride facility built alongside.

Councillor Mike Varney, chairman of Cornwall Council's strategic planning authority, said the development would be good news for the area.

He said: “I genuinely believe that it will be a positive thing, yes it will change Truro, but look how much Truro and other places have changed in the last 100 years.”

However, Councillor Charlotte Mackenzie, who represents the area on Truro City Council, does not believe the plans will be welcomed by people living nearby.

She said: “The Secretary of State has decided not to call in the planning application for housing at Langarth. As a Councillor for Trehaverne ward, I know this will be a deeply unpopular decision with many local residents. If it goes ahead, this development will increase traffic congestion.

“It also shows that the Government has no genuine commitment to localism, and the neighbourhood planning process which it is funding in Truro and Kenwyn.”