Major regeneration scheme set to move forward

A major regeneration scheme overlooking the centre of Truro and the Cornish city’s cathedral is set to move forward after planning officers recommended approval for outline plans.Cornwall Council is seeking permission to regenerate Pydar Street, a key area in the centre of Truro which is currently partially derelict.The masterplan is to create a community hub with green spaces, affordable homes, cutting-edge innovation and businesses, new social and cultural opportunities, improved and sustainable transport links and an active waterfront.The 19.3-acre site, extending from the River Allen up to Pydar Street and from the viaduct down towards the cathedral approach, is currently home to car parks, the partly derelict council offices at Carrick House, an NHS office, Truro Bowl, retail and residential space plus a variety of old warehouses.Outline approval is sought for a scheme which incorporates up to 320 dwellings, approximately 400 student bed spaces, and more than 250,000 sq ft of employment space, including leisure, office, hotel, community, retail and education accommodation alongside space for cafes, restaurants and bars.The application has been recommended for conditional approval in a report to be scrutinised by the council’s strategic planning committee next week.According to the report, the development would provide benefits in terms of contributing to housing supply, including affordable homes and student accommodation, while also supporting local services over the lifetime of the development.It would also open up the River Allen as a space to be enjoyed and the employment space will provide economic and social benefits.The recommendation is made despite the “less than sustantial harm” that would be caused to the setting, character and appearance of designated heritage assets, particularly the setting of the Truro and Kenwyn Conservation Areas, and listed buildings, notably the cathedral and railway viaduct.