The Church of England’s Property Arm Secures Planning Permission for 315-homes
Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee has granted outline consent to the Church Commissioners for England for a new 315-home development located between Falmouth and Penryn.
The Church of England’s property division secured this planning permission for a 13.4-hectare site comprising four fields on the outskirts of Falmouth.
This site is part of the commissioners’ strategic land portfolio, which could eventually support around 32,000 homes across England, including 8,000 with live planning applications in 2023. The approved plan includes a local center with 280 square meters of mixed-use development and features new public footpaths, green corridors, play areas, and informal parkland.
Cornwall’s planning officers recommended approval despite the loss of high-quality agricultural land, citing the lack of alternative sites in Falmouth and Penryn to meet the region’s housing needs. The development is part of Cornwall’s local plan and will make a significant contribution to housing supply, with 35% of the homes designated as affordable.
Matthew Naylor, team lead for strategic land at the Church Commissioners, stated that the proposals align with the Cornwall Local Plan’s vision for Falmouth’s growth and the Archbishop’s Commissions’ goal of creating sustainable and socially fulfilling communities. The new development, situated near Penryn River harbour, will also support existing retail and community facilities.
Matthew Naylor, team lead, strategic land at the Church Commissioners. “Our proposals support the Cornwall Local Plan’s vision for the sensitive growth of Falmouth and are in line with the Archbishop’s Commissions’ vision for sustainable, safe, stable, social and satisfying homes and communities.
“Located near the Penryn River harbour, the new community will support a mix of existing retail and community uses alongside a network of accessible green space.”
