THOUSANDS of new homes could transform Saltash, with four possible growth scenarios ranging from a major westward expansion to entirely new villages surrounding the town.

Saltash Town Council is asking residents to consider what the future should look like for the gateway to Cornwall, with proposals outlining how development could reshape the community, its infrastructure and the surrounding countryside.

The four scenarios, which range from 1,800 to 4,300 additional homes, are part of work on the council’s Neighbourhood Priorities Statement. They are not options to vote on, but are intended to identify residents’ priorities and concerns as Saltash plans for the decades ahead.

Every scenario includes development in and around Treledan, already part of Cornwall Council’s Local Plan, as well as the redevelopment of previously used land in the town centre and Waterside.

The biggest differences, however, lie in where new homes would be built and what facilities would accompany them.

One vision, New Saltash, would add around 2,800 homes spread across several directions, alongside a new primary school, health centre and transport improvements serving Pill. However, the council warns that development across a wider area could affect the landscape and make it harder to deliver infrastructure. No additional employment land is included.

Greater Treledan would concentrate the same number of homes to the west. A new school and health centre would be accompanied by better bus services, improved walking and cycling routes and some new employment land. The council says concentrating growth could help deliver infrastructure, although there are concerns about competition with the town centre.

A northern expansion would be smaller, adding around 1,800 homes with a new school, health centre and transport improvements for Pill. It would offer significant new employment land and better access to services, but would still affect the landscape and present infrastructure challenges.

At the other end of the scale, Today’s Saltash and New Villages would deliver around 4,300 homes through new settlements around the existing town. The proposals include communities near Trematon and Trehan, alongside development at Treledan, Carkeel and Pill.

Schools, a health centre, bus services and upgraded public rights of way would connect the new communities, with significant employment land also planned. But the council warns that major development within the National Landscape would have adverse effects.

The scenarios raise fundamental questions about how Saltash should grow, where new development belongs and whether supporting infrastructure can keep pace with housing demand.

Residents can share their views on housing, employment, transport, green spaces and community facilities through the survey at www.saltashplan.co.uk until October 31.

Drop-in sessions are taking place at Saltash Library Hub, the Co-op in Fore Street and Ashtorre Rock on Waterside. Completed surveys can also be returned to Saltash Health Centre in Callington Road or Community Enterprises in Fore Street.

The council hopes the feedback will help establish the priorities that matter most to Saltash as it considers the town’s long-term future.