Hundreds of new houses are taking shape on 21 acres of land overlooking Truro and the Fal Estuary, despite opposition by local councils at the planning stage.

The contentious Higher Newham Farm development is scheduled for completion by summer 2027 after being approved at Cornwall Council two years ago.

The first houses are now under construction and clearly visible from Arch Hill and Malpas.

Outline planning permission was originally granted for 155 homes and a community farm on the site next to Arch Hill. However, that permission was never implemented, and two new revised plans were submitted in 2019 for a total of 242 homes.

The development will be known as The Gwel and feature homes with two to five bedrooms.

Places For People – which led the scheme and was also behind the Duchy of Cornwall’s housing development overlooking Waitrose – has joined forces with Countryside Partnerships, part of Vistry Group.

It said half the homes would be developed for affordable housing, with a mixture of tenures including affordable rent and shared ownership for local people. The remaining homes will be sold on the open market under the Countryside Homes brand.

Peter Sadler, managing director of Countryside Partnerships South West, said: “We are passionate about creating sustainable and vibrant new communities, and are delighted to have joined forces with Places for People to deliver this fantastic new site and much-needed homes for local people.”

Truro City Council called for the revised plans for Higher Newham Farm to be refused planning permission. Among its objections in 2019 was the access from Morlaix Avenue, pedestrian access and levels of affordable housing, all considered “unacceptable”, and concerns about the site’s water run-off and drainage.

Kea Parish Council also objected, citing “grave concerns” about access. Several neighbouring residents and businesses commented with their fears concerning “the chaos this will cause to the transport infrastructure”.