Cornwall councillors have welcomed an “unusual” plan to build 48 affordable homes which will also include homes which are wheelchair accessible. 

Gilbert & Goode has been granted planning permission to build the 100 per cent affordable housing development on land at Scredda near St Austell.

Council planning officers told the central sub-area planning committee that it was a “unique” proposal due to the number of affordable homes which would be provided on one site. They said it was “rare” to be able to secure 48 affordable homes in one location.

Councillors heard the proposed new homes would include a mix of social rent properties and shared ownership homes which would help to meet local need. As Scredda is in Treverbyn parish, people in that area will have priority for the new homes.

Stephen Major, agent for Gilbert & Goode and Ocean Housing, said the association had been working with the local community over the last 18 months to draw up the latest plans. 

He explained there were currently 388 households in Treverbyn on the housing waiting list and this development would help meet that need. He added  the homes would retain a local connection in perpetuity.

Mr Major said the homes would include wheelchair-accessible bungalows as well as a four-bedroom home which would be wheelchair accessible thanks to a lift. He said the homes would help people to retain their independence.

He added: “We are facing a crisis in housing and cost of living. We want to change this and you can change this by approving the scheme in front of you today. It is a high quality design and totally affordable housing. It will provide an opportunity for those most in need to thrive in their local community.”

Councillors asked how the scheme was possible and Mr Major explained that the landowner had offered the land to be used for affordable housing. 

He added: “It is very rare for a landowner to come forward and want to put something back into the community. It will be a phenomenal legacy both for the landowner and this committee if this development goes ahead.”

Ann Roberts, from Treverbyn Parish Council, said the council had objected to the scheme saying it was in the wrong location and would harm the character of the area which she said acted as a “green buffer” between St Austell and Scredda.

She said there had been a “multitude of development” in the local area and that there were affordable homes set to be provided by the West Carclaze Garden Village. 

She added: “We as a parish council have a duty to protect our community. It will remove one of the only remaining green spaces in the area.”

Local Cornwall councillor Matt Luke had also objected to the application and said there had been a number of objections from local people which he said he had “considerable sympathy” with.

He said: “I share their concerns that this development will lead to further development in this area which would not be welcomed in this area by us.”

Cllr Luke said he was not anti-affordable housing but “we think this scheme is in the wrong place”. 

He added: “If it was a brownfield elsewhere in our parish we would be jumping up and down in favour of it.”

Anne Double, Cornwall councillor for St Austell Central, said she was a resident of Treverbyn parish and was aware of the need for more affordable housing in the area.

She said: “The current housing crisis in Cornwall means too many local people are unable to access the housing they need and deserve. There is no doubt in my mind that developments like this which are 100 per cent affordable can provide the housing that people need. An application like this is not common.”

Several members of the committee welcomed the application being 100 per cent affordable housing. The proposal to approve the application was agreed with six votes in favour and three against.

Speaking afterwards Craig Rowe, senior development manager at Gilbert & Goode, said: “We are delighted with the decision taken by the planning committee this morning, and look forward to working with Cornwall Council and Treverbyn Parish Council over the coming months to see affordable homes delivered for local families as quickly as possible.”