Cornish Housebuilder Unveils Plans for 550 New Homes in Local Town
Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon has formally submitted a hybrid planning application for a major housing development in Wadebridge, a Cornish town facing a pressing shortage of affordable and sustainable homes. The application seeks outline permission for up to 400 homes, alongside detailed approval for an initial phase of 150 homes, which could mark the beginning of one of the largest residential schemes in the area in recent years.
If granted, the development would significantly contribute to addressing Wadebridge’s housing needs while also delivering vital community infrastructure, environmental enhancements, and long-term benefits for residents.
A Development Designed to Meet Local Housing Needs
Wadebridge, located on the River Camel, has long been earmarked as a growth hub within Cornwall Council’s Local Plan due to its expanding population and rising demand for new homes. Like much of Cornwall, the town has faced challenges in meeting housing demand, with 25,000 households currently on the county’s waiting list for affordable housing.
Persimmon’s scheme seeks to directly address this shortfall by ringfencing 30% of the new properties for a housing association, ensuring that a substantial portion of homes are available at affordable rates. This commitment is expected to ease pressure on the local housing market, providing opportunities for young families, key workers, and individuals who have struggled to secure permanent homes in the region.
The proposal is not limited to housing alone. It has been designed as a comprehensive community-led development, incorporating services and facilities that go beyond the delivery of bricks and mortar.
Community Benefits: Education, Healthcare, and Recreation
One of the most notable elements of the application is its community infrastructure package, to be secured through a Section 106 agreement.
- Education: Land within the development site would be gifted to the community to enable the construction of an on-site primary school. This measure would ensure that the educational needs of new residents are met without placing additional strain on Wadebridge’s existing schools, many of which are operating near or at capacity.
- Healthcare: The proposal includes a new medical centre with dental facilities, to be located off-site but close to the town centre. This is intended to expand healthcare provision for both new and existing residents, addressing long-standing concerns about access to local health services in Cornwall.
- Recreation: A new sports pitch is also part of the community benefit package, providing a valuable resource for physical activity and social engagement.
The scheme additionally incorporates public open spaces and fully equipped play areas, ensuring that green recreational areas are readily available to families and children living within the development.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Project
All of the proposed homes will be designed to be zero carbon-ready, reflecting Persimmon’s alignment with national and local sustainability goals. Each property will be equipped with air source heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points, features that will help residents reduce their carbon footprint while lowering household energy costs.
By integrating such technology, Persimmon aims to futureproof the development, ensuring compliance with evolving building standards and supporting Cornwall’s wider ambition to move toward a net-zero economy.
Enhancing Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure
The development goes beyond housing and infrastructure by prioritising biodiversity net gain, a principle now central to modern planning policy.
- A green wildlife corridor is proposed, designed to create ecological habitats and encourage the movement of native species across the site.
- A ‘Green Buffer’ will separate the new homes from existing infrastructure, helping to maintain a balance between development and Wadebridge’s rural character.
- Secondary green corridors will link the wildlife corridor to the countryside, ensuring that the site is permeable for both people and nature.
This focus on green infrastructure is intended not only to meet regulatory biodiversity requirements but also to deliver a healthier, more attractive living environment for residents.
Strategic Location: Church Park, Wadebridge
The site for the proposed development, known as Church Park, lies on the south-eastern edge of Wadebridge. Cornwall Council has already identified Wadebridge as a key growth location in its Local Plan, recognising the town’s capacity to accommodate new homes while benefiting from improved infrastructure.
The development is expected to play a crucial role in addressing Cornwall’s housing land supply shortfall, ensuring that the county can meet both local and national targets for residential development.
Transport and Connectivity
The scheme has been carefully designed with transport links and sustainable travel in mind.
- Primary and secondary vehicular access will be provided from the A389 and Treworder Lane, ensuring smooth integration with existing road infrastructure.
- Pedestrian and cycle access routes are also central to the plan, offering connections to Wadebridge town centre and beyond. These routes will tie into the site’s network of green corridors, encouraging active travel and reducing reliance on cars.
By prioritising walking and cycling, the development supports Cornwall Council’s goal of reducing traffic congestion and promoting healthier travel choices.
Broader Economic and Social Impacts
Beyond meeting housing demand, the development is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits for Wadebridge and the wider Cornwall area.
- Job creation: The construction of 550 homes, alongside associated infrastructure, will generate employment opportunities during the build phase. This includes direct jobs within the construction sector as well as indirect roles within the local supply chain.
- Boost to local economy: Once complete, the arrival of new residents will bring increased demand for shops, services, and amenities, benefiting local businesses.
- Strengthened community services: With new school land, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces, the scheme has the potential to create a more balanced and resilient community.
Balancing Growth and Local Concerns
Large-scale developments often spark debate within communities, and Wadebridge is no exception. While the benefits of new housing, schools, and healthcare facilities are clear, local stakeholders are likely to scrutinise issues such as:
- The impact on traffic congestion in and around Wadebridge.
- The potential strain on existing utilities and services during the construction period.
- The long-term implications of growth on Wadebridge’s character and rural surroundings.
Persimmon has emphasised that the scheme has been carefully designed to mitigate such concerns, incorporating sustainable transport options, green buffers, and phased construction. However, public consultation and the planning process will ultimately determine how well these issues are addressed.
Conclusion: A Landmark Proposal for Wadebridge
The Persimmon Homes proposal represents a landmark opportunity for Wadebridge to meet its urgent housing needs while delivering wider community benefits. With 550 new homes, a school site, healthcare facilities, and extensive green infrastructure, the development has the potential to reshape the town’s future in a way that balances growth, sustainability, and community well-being.
As Cornwall continues to grapple with housing shortages and affordability challenges, projects like Church Park will be pivotal in determining how the region adapts to the twin pressures of population growth and environmental responsibility.
The coming months will be critical as Cornwall Council planners, local stakeholders, and the community review the details of the hybrid application. Should the scheme receive approval, construction could begin in the near future, marking the start of Wadebridge’s next chapter as a growing, modern, and resilient Cornish town.
