Thousands of new homes for Truro have been described as a “reality” as a group forms to make sure the needs of existing residents are not forgotten.

A total of 2,700 homes are to be built in six different areas of land at Langarth, to the west of the city near Threemilestone, in a multi-million pound project being overseen by Cornwall Council.

Now a group has formed giving people already living and working in that area the chance to say what needs to happen as the land is developed.

It includes Threemilestone Primary School headteacher Suzanne Teagle, Alan Williams representing the Threemilestone Business Estate, resident Damien Richards and Jeremy Putman and Dr Alan Stanhope of Truro Churches Together, plus members of Kenwyn Parish Council and cycling and environmental groups, who will work alongside planners and developers.

Members will have a chance to give feedback on the design and quality of the new homes, transport links, community facilities - including new schools, health, leisure, play, faith and emergency facilities - green spaces and a new community centre.

The group is being chaired by Cornwall Councillor for Threemilestone and Gloweth, Dulcie Tudor and will meet monthly.

Ms Tudor said: “This development will inevitably have an impact on Threemilestone and the wider Truro area.

“We want to make sure that this is a positive impact which provides a vibrant and sustainable new community where people want to live, not just a series of housing estates.

“People have naturally asked why there has to be any development on this site.

“The reality is that there are already 14 different planning consents for 2,700 new homes on six parcels of land. This means it is inevitable that some development will take place in the future.

“Cornwall Council’s involvement means we have the opportunity to prevent these developments coming forward in an uncoordinated basis and instead create high quality, well designed housing which is truly affordable for local people.”

She said when the council took the decision to be involved it gave a commitment to improve community facilities in Threemilestone and the surrounding area, adding: “We will be making sure that this commitment is honoured.”

This included making sure key aspects such as schools and health facilities were provided at the start of the scheme, rather than at the end when all the houses had been built.

“We recognise the concerns which have been expressed over the quality of some new homes, the impact on existing traffic congestion on the A390 and increased pressures on local schools and health services.

“We will be working together to address these concerns and will not hesitate to stand up and speak out to ensure that the scheme provides a sustainable community, a more attractive place to live and good quality homes serving Truro,” added Ms Tudor.

Members were asked to put forward three things they wanted to see included in the development. Suggestions included:

• Ensuring that the new development also meets the needs of Threemilestone and its residents, and connects with surrounding areas, including the city.

• Providing well designed affordable homes with low energy costs, which are easily adaptable to meet the changing needs of families. 

• Encouraging innovative design and self-build projects. 

• Creating a site with generous green spaces and an open community space for music and arts events where people can join together to express themselves.

• Ensuring adequate parking, with electric charging points and secure parking for people running their own businesses.

• Open spaces to provide a healthy environment for all ages, including well equipped play areas, walks, and cycle ways. 

• Sustainable transport schemes which prioritise cycling and walking, and promote alternatives to car use, including park and ride and car and bike clubs.

• Creating distinct settlements which embrace rural living.

• Creating communities – not just a housing development - where people can work and live together, with easy access to surrounding areas.

• Protecting the local environment and creating quiet corners where people can enjoy nature and wildlife.

• Supporting people working from home, with access to technology and hubs where they can get together to prevent isolation.

• Providing health led indoor and outdoor facilities, including health centres, cafes, marked walks, bike trails, and a community hub.

• Using the [accompanying] stadium as a local community hub to provide sports and leisure facilities, work spaces, community meetings and culture and arts events.

• Ensuring that plans for the new school make the most of the natural environment, and promote outside learning for pupils, as well as working alongside and complementing the existing Threemilestone School.

The local community will now be asked what it wants to come out of the scheme, at events and drop-in sessions over the next few months, which will be publicised on the Love Truro website and the websites of Cornwall Council, Truro City Council and Kenwyn Parish Council.