Gerrans affordable housing plans given the green light
PLANS have been given the go-ahead for a new affordable housing development in Gerrans.
Cornwall Council planners agreed the development of 30 semi-detached and terraced affordable homes, to be managed by Devon and Cornwall Housing Association, on the site of redundant allotments and other land off Gerrans Hill.
In addition, planning permission was given at the meeting last Wednesday(July 15) for ten detached homes to be built on the same site to be sold on the open market.
The meeting heard there were 41 local households on the housing register - one of the highest levels of local housing needed.
Former Carrick District Council member Luke Dunstone told the meeting: "I would thoroughly endorse the scheme and believe it is highly important to keep young people, schools and businesses in the village – they are the fabric of the Roseland."
The site is currently owned by the Enys estate and concern was raised that the development will mean relocating Jollity Farm, an animal sanctuary run by Chris and Mary Pollard, which has been running for 12 years. The estate has agreed to make alternative land available for the sanctuary. However, the cost of relocation and rebuilding is estimated to be at least £17,000.
Local resident Mark Hatwood told the meeting: "The homes are desperately needed. There is no question of that, especially with the high number of second homes in the village. I'm just very hopeful that an agreement can be reached with Jollity Farm about the cost of relocation."
Cllr Julian German said after the meeting that there was very strong local support for the new housing scheme. He said: "It is great news for Gerrans and Portscatho. We desperately need to retain our local young people that contribute so much to the vibrancy of the community. It is especially pleasing that local concerns regarding parking and a strong local connection criteria have been taken into account."
22 Comments
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by Mike Thompson, Devon
Monday, January 25 2010, 4:35PM
“Alan Jones wants to get his facts right before making such a comment.
Gerrans is a rural village and executive house are the last thing needed.
The animals are the ones who need housing and protection.”
by Alan Jones, London
Tuesday, September 22 2009, 6:53PM
“This is an article about houses for the poor and needy in an overcrowded and expensive area and not about animals. Animals can be housed anywhere and not where space is at a premium. Any money should be spent on humans and the animals rehoused where there they have plenty of space in less populated areas.”
by Susen Kaylo, Canada
Tuesday, August 04 2009, 4:57PM
“Thank you to the politicians who have looked outside the box to see how this new development, while possibly needed, affects the bigger picture. Kudos to them for being sensitive to the needs of the animals and for recognizing the wonderful work that Mary Alice and Chris do for these rescued animals. I've had the privilege of visiting Jollity Farm and my heart was touched deeply by the animals and the awesome work that Mary Alice and Chris do. It was Jollity Farm that brought me to the beauty of Gerrans in the first place and I hope to return one day.”
by Judith Ross, London
Monday, July 27 2009, 2:00PM
“It is great to see that the politicians are giving Jollity Farm the due attention and consideration they deserve. It is all too easy to overlook those who do not have a voice, the animals. Well done, Chris and Mary Pollard, for keeping Jollity Farm going.”
by Niel Hansen, Edinburgh
Saturday, July 25 2009, 6:42PM
“It makes a very pleasant change to feel the need to write in praise of politicians - but congratulations to councillors for giving Jollity Farm and the animals that live there the consideration they so richly deserve - consideration that I hope will continue during the difficult and expensive process of relocation.”