Truro has been awarded £2.45million towards building 320 new homes in the city.

It has been given as part of the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund, towards the Pydar Regeneration project.

It is a major £170million regeneration scheme for the centre of Truro that last month was granted outline planning permission.

Cornwall Council has put forward plans for the Pydar development, which included 320 homes, 400 student bed spaces, a centre for Falmouth University along with a hotel and leisure facilities. Under the proposals 35% of the homes built would be affordable.

An artist impression of what the Pydar Street development could look like Picture: Cornwall Council

An artist impression of what the Pydar Street development could look like Picture: Cornwall Council

The Brownfield Land Release Fund, which was launched in January this year and is worth £75m in total, is part of a Government strategy that sees it prioritise building homes on previously developed sites, as opposed to building on the green belt or the countryside.

Truro and Falmouth’s MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: “I am pleased to have seen the plans for the much-needed regeneration of Pydar finally realised.

"It is good to see the Government recognise this and release funding to go towards this exciting development.

“I look forward to seeing the plans for Pydar progressing and will continue to work with colleagues in both central and local government to ensure the delivery of this vital site remains a priority.”

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The plans went before the council’s strategic planning committee for a second time in September after being refused earlier this year due to concerns about the size of the development and loss of car parking spaces.

As a result the proposals have been reduced in scale and the council has said that a 118-space car park would be retained for at least three years.

The redevelopment takes in a site in the centre of Truro which includes the former Carrick District Council offices, Viaduct car park, Truro Bowl and several retail and warehouse units.

An artist impression of what the Pydar Street development could look like Picture: Cornwall Council

An artist impression of what the Pydar Street development could look like Picture: Cornwall Council

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Now that outline planning permission has been granted the council will draw up reserved matters applications which will cover the details and design of the project and will have to be approved before work can start.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Michael Gove, said: “We are levelling up and backing home ownership in every corner of the country, delivering new high-quality, affordable homes and creating thriving places where people want to live, work and visit.”

“Making the most of previously developed land is a government priority and it will help protect our cherished countryside and green spaces.”