CONCERNED villagers have written to a Cornish lord begging him not to sell his land for housing. Legacy Properties is aiming to submit a planning application in late 2025/early 2026 for the development of land owned by Lord Falmouth’s estate off Old Coach Road in Playing Place, near Truro.

The field contains the remains of a medieval amphitheatre and an Iron Age settlement. Residents have formed an action group after learning that the developer could build up to 70 houses on the land.

Villagers are also concerned about the possible traffic impact on Old Coach Road as well as the added pressure a large housing estate could have on the already oversubscribed Kea Community Primary School and the local GP surgery.

Residents have now written to Evelyn Boscawen, 10th Viscount Falmouth, outlining their concerns “on behalf of the community” and asking him to reconsider. Lord Falmouth owns around 25,000 acres of land, including the Tregothnan estate near Truro.

The letter states: “The plans for 70 new homes may help meet Cornwall’s housing quota, but this site raises serious concerns for our village. This beautiful green agricultural field contains two scheduled ancient monuments, including a rare plain-an-gwarry which gives the village its very name.

“These medieval amphitheatres were once central to Cornish life, used for plays, gatherings and community events. They are part of our unique cultural identity – and once destroyed, they are lost forever. The symbolism of allowing this field to be erased surely cannot escape you.

“Playing Place already struggles with narrow, congested roads and dozens more cars will only increase the risks to children, residents and drivers. Parts of the land are also known to be vulnerable to flooding, raising further doubts about its suitability for housing.

“We’re led to believe you have previously objected to wind turbines near your estate which would have impacted your own surroundings. We hope you can appreciate, then, why we feel so strongly about protecting the character, history and identity of our village.

“Cornwall does need affordable homes, but not at the expense of its history, heritage and community safety. As custodian of this land, you have the chance to protect something far more valuable than bricks and mortar.

“There may be other sites better suited for housing – but there will never be another chance to protect this plain-an-gwarry, this landscape and this village. We ask you to reconsider the sale of this land. By doing so, you would be remembered not just as a landowner, but as a guardian of Cornwall’s past – and its future.”

We have contacted Viscount Falmouth’s estate for a response.