PEOPLE have started moving into a new housing scheme in Newquay for those experiencing homelessness.

Cornwall Council has installed 18 SoloHaus one-bedroom modular units at the bottom of Tregunnel Hill car park.

Housing management will be provided by Cornwall Housing and Harbour Housing will deliver support to residents on site.

In a letter to residents, Cornwall Council, said: “The accommodation is for people who have experienced homelessness.

“Residents will have the assistance they need to manage their home, explore training and employment opportunities with an overall goal of securing permanent housing away from the site.

“These units of accommodation will be available for new residents for up to two years with an expectation that permanent housing will be identified as soon as they are ready to move on.

“Support will be provided using a floating support model with additional support being made through referral to existing support services within the area.

“All referrals to this service will continue to be made through the Rough Sleeper Access Service.”

The car park has been resurfaced and relined as part of the works and two height restriction barriers have been installed to deter travellers from being able to set up camp. CCTV cameras have also been erected to monitor the area and act as a deterrent against antisocial behaviour.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “This latest scheme is part of a plan for this part of Newquay to not only provide excellent quality accommodation for single people who would otherwise be homeless, but to also revamp the car park at Tregunnel Hill and put in measures to deter unauthorised encampments which has been an issue here in the past.   

“The Tregunnel Hill development will be managed by Cornwall Housing Ltd who will provide all housing management functions, ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of the homes and the site.   

“Harbour Housing will be providing tenancy sustainment support, helping residents to integrate into their new homes and maintain their tenancies successfully. 

“Each development provides purpose-built modular homes with outside space, utilising low carbon heating technologies. 

“The homes are specifically intended to help those with a history of homelessness who are ready to move on from emergency accommodation or other provision, and will help reduce the need to place people in expensive, nightly-paid hotels and B&Bs. 

“It means that the council has a stock of good quality homes that people can live in for a short period on dedicated sites, whilst they get the help and support they need to secure a permanent home. 

“They help residents live nearer to where they want and need to be, with the security of knowing this home is theirs until a permanent one can be found.   

“The council continues to use all means at its disposal to tackle the housing crisis, including prevention services, outreach, providing emergency and temporary accommodation as well as building and buying more homes for social rent. 

“There are currently over 800 households living in temporary or emergency accommodation across Cornwall.

“People can find themselves homeless for many reasons, including family or relationship breakdown, fleeing domestic violence, eviction from a privately rented home including ‘no fault’ evictions, loss of income, employment, bereavement, significant changes to mental or physical health, or struggling to cope with life outside the armed forces.”