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( Last Updated: 28-07-2010 )
First sod is cut on 22 home development
Phase One of an affordable housing scheme has begun with the cutting of the first sod on Trecerus Farm, part of the Prideaux-Brune Estate on the outskirts of Padstow.
The ceremony was conducted by Mrs Elisabeth Prideaux-Brune representing the landowners and attended by representatives of developers Poltair Developments, Westcountry Housing a member of Westward Housing Group, contractors - Mi-Space, architects - Trewin Design, Engineers - MBA Consulting, Quantity Surveyors - Randall Simmonds and invited guests - including members of Padstow Town Council and Cornwall Council.
The start of the long awaited development had been delayed due to planning issues caused by the restructuring of local government in Cornwall but will now deliver much needed social rented accommodation comprising a mix of 22 one-bedroom flats and 2/3 bedroom houses.
Teamwork and a concerted effort by everyone involved has made the project happen, according to Paul Stephens, managing director of Truro based Poltair Developments promoters of the 23 acre site.
He said: "Over six years, we have addressed all the key issues over this development, on what is the preferred site for future residential development in Padstow, including the sensitivities of the coastline and its outstanding natural beauty and the question of land supply and demand, and have consulted widely with the local community.
"In addition to addressing the local need for affordable housing, North Cornwall District council (as the then planning authority) believed that Trecerus Farm has a number of crucial strategic advantages for other types of housing, including the use of existing road infrastructure, proximity to future job opportunities and a significant contribution to keeping traffic out of the town centre.
"Through nobody's fault the start has been delayed and will now be phased over a longer period of time. After much consultation with the local community, including Padstow Town Council and the Prideaux-Brune Estate, Westcountry Housing have now been enabled to acquire the properties with the help of a substantial grant from the Homes & Communities Agency. This is tangible progress, and the infrastructure which will be provided will be ready to serve future phases of development at Trecerus Farm. It has been a case of real teamwork to achieve this result in a really short time scale. Everyone needed to cooperate - and did so."
Neil Edwards of Westcountry Housing said: "Affordable housing is a crucial issue for the local community but it must be underpinned by sustainability. Short-term solutions may provide temporary help, but provision of good quality housing in the town is essential for future growth and prosperity.
"This development of 22 houses at Trecerus Farm is a Cornish development for Cornish people and with support from Cornwall Council officers has ensured that affordable housing is being provided exactly where it is needed."
Affordable Housing specialists Mi-Space, part of the Midas Group, has been awarded the construction contract with work on Phase One which has only been delayed until September 1st 2010 because of the seasonal moratorium on construction projects adjoining main roads. It is scheduled to be completed in August 2011.
A second phase - involving the construction of further shared ownership and intermediate rented homes, subject to planning consent, is planned and now with Cornwall Council for determination.
Mi-Space has recently completed affordable housing schemes in Cornwall at Delabole, St Ives, Falmouth and Penryn in contracts valued at over £10 million.
Stuart Wilkes, Mi-Space Operations Manager, said: "We are delighted to be working on this contract with Poltair Developments and Westcountry Housing, which will add to our track record of success in Cornwall."
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