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."
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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.”
by Sarah, Gerrans
Saturday, July 25 2009, 12:39PM
“Great news that sentient beings, both human and other animal, will get the homes they all need. The sanctuary is an important tourist attraction, so let's ensure it gets all the funding it needs to relocate in a way that promotes this asset in our community.”
by Zest Radio Show, Toronto Canada
Friday, July 24 2009, 10:18PM
“Congratulations to Mary Alice and Chris Pollard of Jollity Farm for being able to continue to provide life saving rescue for our friends the animals.
Also, kudos to their local government for utilizing intelligence and compassion in their decision to provide services and affordable housing to their community.
I have been associated with Mary Alice, Chris and Jollity Farm through many collaborative efforts that have happy endings for all involved since 2005.
To know that their life saving efforts bring peace, comfort and freedom to those less fortunate id always heartwarming for the entire world wide community that embraces and supports their meaningful and selfless efforts.
When it comes to those that are in for the long haul, Mary Alice, Chris, Jollity Farm and your local government are being looked upon as friends to all worldwide.
In this day and age, with the media being at a point wherein publication of any information has the potential of being exposed to millions of people around the globe, it's great to see that your actions shall be considered at the top of the list of positives that those that have the power to do so, create community spirit and peace in a positive manner.
Congratulations to all involved for your forethought and steadfast belief that community is stronger because those those that have the power to initiate positive change and are trusted to do so, are indeed friends to all that are privy to their news and peaceful action.
It warms our hearts to know that our listening and watching audience of the community of Keep The Green Alive can celebrate in the joy of knowing that Jollity Farm will continue to save lives through Mary Alice, Chris and their community initiatives.
BRAVO !!!!
Peace, and, best regards,
Paul and all of the team of,
KEEP THE GREEN ALIVE !!!!
P.S. If you have ever wondered whom are the team of Keep The Green Alive...well...it's all of us...PEACE”
by Jill Edwards, Cornwall
Friday, July 24 2009, 8:19PM
“So pleased to read this news both for people who need a home and for the securing of the future of Jollity Farm.”
by Lori Meitzen, Oshkosh, WI USA
Friday, July 24 2009, 6:43PM
“It has always been my dream to travel to the UK and visit Jollity Farms and I was filled with dread and dispair when I first learned that the Pollard's were facing losing their safe haven/sanctuary for the precious animals they so lovingly care for. My main purpose to travel to the UK was soley to meet the Pollards and thank them firsthand for all they do for these animals. It would be a dream for me to visit Jollity Farms (prob would never want to return to the US and just stay there and live amongst all the animals and lend a hand)
I am most pleased to read that the council has taken the needs of these animals seriously and will assist with relocation fees, etc. I firmly believe that 100% of the relocation expenses should be covered for the Pollard's as they should not be responsible in any financial way, they are already paying alot of out of pocket money just to feed and care for these precious animals and surely it would be a true hardship for them to have to come up with relocation fees themselves. I urge the council to be most generous in granting them what is needed to relocate.
I wish to thank the council for all they are doing to help in this matter and for taking the needs of these animals seriously, And I applaud the Pollard's for all they do for these animals, truly I believe God created the Pollard's to do this work, to save, rescue and love HIs creatures.
If ever I can afford the trip, I am sooooooo coming to Gerrans to visit Jollity Farms and to get Chris and Mary massive hugs for all they do. I thank God for ppl like the Pollards who have such big warm hearts as it is very heartwarming to read of ppl like them who actually DO something to help homeless and abused animals.
I will be following this story with great interest and personally feel that the community should have a annual "Jollity Farms" day with lots of celebrations which would help raise funds for the continued care of these very very precious animals. I shudde to think of what would have happened to these animals had they not found their way into the loving care of the Pollard's and Jollity Farm.
Again, I am most happy to learn that the council has taken the needs of these animals into consideration and I applaud and admire you for this.
A huge THANK YOU to the Pollards for being the compassionate and loving ppl that you are, May God always bless you and our animal friends.”
by kathryn summersgill, yorkshire
Friday, July 24 2009, 6:28PM
“Very pleased that the local council has included the needs of the animals at Jollity Farm in it's considerations and calculations. Hopefully they will now go on to consider the financial needs of relocating Jollity Farm as a result of their decision.”