Charlotte Llewellyn shares insights from the TCPA’s Cornwall Study Tour
Last week, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) was pleased to host a study tour to Cornwall, in collaboration with Cornwall Council for members of our New Communities Group and others. Due to the challenges of COVID-19, this was the TCPA’s first study tour in several years. We were delighted to find that the study tours were still in high demand, which underscores their importance as a place to share experiences and a chance to see the work that other local authorities and developers are doing on the ground.
Cornwall Council is working on a number of new communities to help tackle its housing crisis. Like many local authorities across the country, Cornwall Council is facing a confluence of challenges, from the rise of second homes to climate change and biodiversity loss. However, at the heart of its housing strategy is a beacon of hope – the aim of making new communities that not only house people but also enable the community and planet to thrive.
West Carclaze Garden Village
The first stop on our study tour was West Carclaze Garden Village, located near St Austell in mid-Cornwall. West Carclaze Garden Village is a new community of 1,500 homes being developed by Eco-Bos Ltd. The first phase of the development saw the competition of over 150 new homes. When complete, the garden village will have five lakes, an extensive network of nature trails and green spaces, and two village centres. During the study tour, one of the most talked about aspects of the West Carclaze Garden Village was the emphasis on energy efficiency, with the average home in the development being EPC A rated. With a modern aesthetic and the upcoming provision of social and cultural amenities, the development is seeking to be more than just a roof over people’s heads, but a lifestyle.
Nansledan
Up next was Nansledan, on the outskirts of Newquay, where a large-scale development of 4,000 homes is being brought forward by the Duchy of Cornwall. Construction of Nansledan started a decade ago, in 2014, and while the town isn’t expected to be completed until 2045, a bustling community is already beginning to emerge. Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and wildlife is central to the ethos of the Duchy of Cornwall, and the inclusion of bee bricks and built-in bird boxes illustrates this. Fittingly, our trip to Nansledan finished with a trip to Newquay Community Orchard, located on Duchy land, where we were treated to an amazing array of local produce for dinner. With a traditional feel to the development, Nansledan aims to incorporate and reflect the best of Cornwall through its Cornish place names and the use of distinctive locally sourced building materials throughout the built environment.
Langarth Garden Village
Day two of the study tour started with a trip to Langarth Garden Village on the edge of Truro. At an early stage in the development process, construction at the site is focused on delivering key infrastructure, including the new sports hub, which will be the new permanent home of Truro Football Club. Cornwall Council is leading the development of the garden village, which will provide up to 3,800 new homes for the Truro area, with at least 30% being affordable and further homes earmarked for key workers. At a presentation on the development, particular attention was given to the renewable energy provision – from the proposed geothermal district heating network, which is expected to be the first of its kind in the UK, to the more traditional solar and wind power. While in the early stages of development, the infrastructure-first approach to Langarth Garden Village demonstrates the council’s long-term commitment to creating thriving new communities.
Showcasing innovative work
The study tour was a great opportunity to see the innovative work being undertaken in Cornwall. The approaches taken across the three developments visited by the TCPA provided a brilliant learning opportunity on the highs and lows faced when trying to create ambitious, sustainable, and people-centred new communities. We hope to continue our long tradition of organising study tours, with a further trip being planned for next year.
The study tour was kindly supported by Hyas and the Lady Margaret Paterson Osborn Trust. The TCPA is very grateful for Cornwall Council, the Duchy of Cornwall, Ecobos and Treveth for hosting us.
