Plans to build new homes, a study centre for Falmouth University and student accommodation at the Pydar development in Truro, have been given the green light.
Cornwall Council has approved the first of two Reserved Matters applications for the development in the Cornish city. The applications provide more detail on the development and follows the granting of Outline Planning Consent for the whole of the site in November 2019.
Following a constructive planning process, working closely with the City Council and the local community, Treveth Development LLP’s proposal to transform the Pydar site into a "vibrant and sustainable mixed-use development", on behalf of Cornwall Council, has received the green light. This approval reflects the public’s support for Pydar – with over 90% of local respondents supporting the scheme – as well as the positive endorsement for Pydar from Truro City Council in March 2023.
Pydar will provide housing, commercial, and leisure facilities, as well as public spaces, including a new town square. These first two phases will provide 164 new dwellings (35% affordable provision) together with a new study centre for Falmouth University and 166 student bedrooms. Treveth has also said that the scheme will create a "significant number of jobs and support the local economy".
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Mayor of Truro, Carol Swain, said: “This is fantastic news for Truro and for Cornwall as a whole. The Pydar development will transform this neglected area of our city into a thriving community hub, providing new homes, jobs, and recreational opportunities. We are thrilled that the project has received approval and look forward to working with Treveth Development LLP to bring this vision to life.”
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: “The Pydar regeneration project has been a long time in the making, and we will continue to work with Treveth to ensure it meets the needs of our residents. This neighbourhood will bring significant benefits to the local community and support the city’s growth and prosperity.”
Alex Andone, Associate Director at PRP, who guided the designs for Phase 1A and 1B along with the wider masterplan, shared: “We are delighted that Pydar Phase 1A and 1B have been approved. A high quality, sustainable development in an inclusive, active and biodiverse public realm are the heart of the proposals. The former brownfield site has a direct connection to the city centre and will create an urban neighbourhood that celebrates Truro’s unique cultural and historic identity, while offering a new and exciting type of city living that will diversify the homes on offer."
The project has been designed with sustainability in mind, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting biodiversity. The project will include green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and electric vehicle charging points, as well as extensive landscaping to provide habitats for local wildlife.
Treveth said it will work closely with Partners to ensure that the development is integrated into the wider community and provides benefits for all. The project hopes to create approximately 700 jobs during construction, and once completed, it will support an estimated 500 permanent jobs in the commercial, leisure, and hospitality sectors.
This project has been assisted by the Government’s One Public Estate Programme’s Brownfield Land Release Fund, which unlocked £2.45m in funding to undertake site planning, analysis, and delivery activity.
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