Residents share views on development proposals to build 104 new homes

Residents in Camelford were able to get an insight into a potential new housing development in the town, when Wainhomes presented their 104-unit scheme at a public exhibition recently.Taking place in Camelford Hall last Thursday, people were given the opportunity to look at the designs for a proposed housing development at Valley Truckle, as well as meet the planning managers and those involved in the application and planning process.The team explained that the proposed development would include 104 residential units, with 30% affordable housing — as required by law — which equals to 31 units. More specifically, the plans include 73 open market homes, 31 affordable, 22 affordable rent and nine intermediate homes.These properties would be approximately one to four bed dwellings, offering a mixture to different target markets. Additionally, the site would also include features for residents, such as a dog walk and fitness trail, and a ‘village green’ open space area.The house builder received pre-application advice in December 2016 from Cornwall Council, prior to the public exhibition. In the report (available on the Cornwall Council website), it states that ‘the land is currently used for grazing and is bounded by hedgerows with some mature trees’.Furthermore, the constraints included accessibility to the town centre and its services and facilities; proximity to the town’s Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest status; boundary hedges and trees; safeguarded highway route; the air quality management area status; overhead cables and a wind turbine on the adjacent land.Wainhomes are hoping to hear if they will be granted permission for their project in the summer, and then a certain amount of time will be taken before construction. This will include an ‘option on land agreement’, which is a legal agreement with the land owner to buy the land for the proposed development. Detailed designs will also have to be drawn up, in preparation for the construction, which is expected to start in 2018 at the earliest.