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."