People in Bodmin are being asked for their views on a masterplan to develop an area of the town to help meet Cornwall’s housing needs.
There is substantial pressure on housing in Cornwall and addressing local housing need is the top priority for this Council.
The Cornwall Local Plan, which sets out where development is preferred, sets out a target for Bodmin of 3,100 homes between 2010 and 2030. With that in mind, six areas in the Bodmin area have been earmarked and now a vision for the St Lawrence site is being brought forward.
The site is expected to deliver around 780 new homes and a masterplan has been developed for a green, sustainable and vibrant new neighbourhood, with a focus on reconnecting people with nature and prioritising the health and wellbeing of the community.
The Council’s portfolio holder for housing and planning, Olly Monk, said: “This would be a flagship new development for the main gateway to Bodmin from the west and one that supports a more sustainable lifestyle for the future.
“While we know that there is a great need for housing in Cornwall, and addressing that need is one of our top priorities, it is absolutely crucial that quality new homes are delivered in a sustainable way, in the right locations and with the infrastructure to support them.”
The masterplan document will be subject of a public consultation from Tuesday, September 7, until Tuesday, November 30.
Included are a new two-form entry primary school and a sports park to the north of the site.
A new mixed-use village centre is proposed, for people to gather, socialise and interact. The village centre would be a focal point that provides shops, community facilities and co-working spaces, all of which can be reached by low-carbon travel.
Recognising the importance of the green habitat corridor to the west, the masterplan proposes a new green space on the western edge, utilising the Bodmin and Wenford Steam railway as an iconic backdrop for a proposed ‘Railway Park’.
The existing hedgerows, trees and woodland edges form the backbone of the site, and the masterplan proposes to retain and enhance as many of these existing features as possible.
A mix of housing types is envisaged, including Extra Care housing, affordable homes, accessible properties and self-build plots.
Promoting walking and cycling is also a priority to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Climate Change Emergency declared by the Council in 2019.
The overall aim is to make sure that there is a clear vision for St Lawrence and that all development meets that vision.
Cllr Monk added: “We’ve consulted with landowners, Bodmin Town Council and Bodmin Vision Group over the last 18 months and now we want to hear from you.”
The final concept masterplan will be adopted by Cornwall Council and will be a material consideration when determining future planning applications for the site.
To have your say, visit letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/stlawrenceplan, or email letstalkplanning@cornwall.gov.uk
Alternatively, responses can be posted to: Cornwall Council, St Lawrence Concept Plan Consultation, New County Hall, Truro, TR1 3AY.
The deadline for responses is Tuesday, November 30.
Story posted on September 7, 2021