A housing developer has applied for permission in principle (with full technical details to be revealed at a later stage) in two locations near Truro.

Kingsley Developments (SW) Limited has for up to nine detached houses on land near Wayside in Carnon Downs, between Truro and Falmouth.

A previous application was refused and an appeal dismissed, but the applicant has reapplied citing the Labour government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and its “presumption in favour of sustainable development”.

A supporting statement adds: “The site is in a sustainable location with relevant facilities within a walkable distance. The development will enhance and maintain the vitality of this rural community.”

The developer suggests the new homes will contribute towards the government’s target of 1.5-million homes within this parliamentary term. For more details, see planning application PA24/09679 on Cornwall Council’s planning portal.

The company has also applied for permission in principle for up to nine homes near The Old Vicarage, Church Road, Mount Hawke. A similar application for what was deemed a rural exception site was approved in August 2022.

The applicant now claims fewer affordable homes should be built here, on the grounds that the construction industry has evolved and become “less and less viable”.

A supporting planning statement says 30 per cent of the homes will be affordable.

“We acknowledge the previous consent would have delivered a minimum of 50 per cent affordable housing; however, this is not viable.

“With Cornwall Council having declared a housing crisis, it is considered the application is greatly needed in the local area. Any other sites will not be as well connected to the settlement; or will have a negative impact on existing residents, which we do not wish to see.”

See planning application PA24/09626 for details.