CONSTRUCTION work has started on a new development that will deliver 48 affordable homes in Scredda, near St Austell.

The homes, which are being built by Classic Builders, will include a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom houses, flats and bungalows.

The land was previously owned by the neighbouring family, who chose to sell it for affordable housing to help address local housing need.

The site, purchased through Classic Builders (SW) Ltd, will be developed to deliver to 34 homes for social rent and 14 shared ownership homes through Plymouth Community Homes’ (PCH) sales brand, SO Living.

Residents living in the new development, which is surrounded by rolling hills and green fields, will also have access to an open space, acting as a play area for children and families.

The development has been designed to respond to local demand for affordable homes and will help ensure more people with local connections can remain within the area. They will be delivered thanks to funding from Homes England and Cornwall Council’s Funding Programme 4.

Claire Baldry, senior project manager at PCH, said: “We’re delighted that work has started on site with Classic Builders to deliver our first homes in St Austell, the furthest west that Plymouth Community Homes has ventured so far.

“The story behind the land purchase, and the commitment from the part landowners to allow us to take on this project, will make the delivery of this development even more of a milestone, as we house local people and families who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to find a new home in this area.”

It will be PCH’s first homes in St Austell, adding to the 16,000 homes which it manages in Devon and Cornwall.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing, Peter La Broy, commented: “There is a clear need for more affordable homes across Cornwall - in Scredda, there are around 450 households on our social housing register with a local connection to Treverbyn parish. Developments like this help to meet that need by providing a mix of social rented and shared ownership homes.

"Tackling the housing crisis takes commitment from all sides and this development is a great example of what can be achieved. We’re committed to working with housing associations, developers and funding partners to deliver the right homes in the right places, helping local people and families put down roots in the communities they know and love.”

Kevin Rowett, part landowner, added: “As a family, we’re very happy that PCH have taken this project on as it’s a development that will be 100 per cent affordable homes with priority going to local people.”

The first homes, which are to be offered for social rent, will be available in late 2027.

Elsewhere in the Duchy, Classic Builders are continuing their work to bring 16 new affordable homes to the village of Darite, near Liskeard, which was also made possible thanks to funding from Cornwall Council and Homes England.