There is no doubt that nationally
we have a housing shortage. A combination of population growth and issues
like family breakdown means that many families are struggling to find a home
that delivers their needs. In Cornwall, the issue is exacerbated in some
areas by second home owners. So we do need to build more housing.
However, I have always said that
there should be a principle of building on brownfield sites before greenfield
sites, especially around our towns.
When Cornwall Council were
developing their local plan, I argued that we should make clear that brownfield
sites in places like Tuckingmill and around South Crofty should be developed
first. There should then be a delay in developing greenfield, urban extension
sites around areas like Treswithian until we have completed a mid-term review
in ten years’ time where we could take stock and reassess local housing need.
This would ensure that developers didn’t simply cherry pick easy greenfield
sites.
There are some good examples of
successful housing developments on brownfield sites which are designed to be
consistent with, and to celebrate, our industrial heritage. Coastline
regenerated the old Holmans site at Trevu Road next to Camborne Train Station
and saved the beautiful Holmans building at the same time. Linden Homes have
done some excellent work at Pool on the site opposite Cornwall College. I was a
strong supporter of the regeneration work started through the Heartlands
project, and I was pleased that many homes there were offered through the “help
to buy” scheme for first time buyers.
However, I have also opposed
other large scale developments where they have been on greenfield sites. Back
in 2015, I asked the Secretary of State to consider calling in a planning
appeal being considered for over 220 houses on St George’s Road in Hayle
because I think we should develop housing on North Quay first, as planned. The
scheme was blocked on that occasion.
Planning decisions will always be
contentious and there are difficult balances to be struck. However, I am
still convinced that the basic principle of prioritising brownfield before
greenfield development is the right approach.
