Construction has now started on a new development that will deliver 48 affordable homes for Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) in Scredda, near St Austell, helping more local people and families access high-quality affordable housing close to where they live, work and have connections.
The land was previously owned by the neighbouring family, who chose to sell it for affordable housing to help address local housing need and create a lasting benefit to the community.
The site, purchased through Classic Builders (SW) Ltd in Scredda, a hamlet in the civil parish of Treverbyn near St Austell will be developed to deliver to 34 homes for social rent and 14 shared ownership homes through PCH’s sales brand, SO Living.
The homes are being built by Classic Builders, which include a mix of one-, two-, three- and four- bedroom houses, flats and bungalows.
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, supporting the long-term sustainability of the community. They will be delivered thanks to funding from key partners, Homes England and Cornwall Council’s Funding Programme 4.
It will be PCH’s first homes in St Austell, which will continue to strengthen its long-term investment in Cornwall, adding to the over 16,000 homes which PCH manages in Devon and Cornwall.
Residents living in this 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.
Claire Baldry, Senior Project Manager at Plymouth Community Homes, 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.”
Lewis Tolputt, Business Development Manager at Classic Builders, added: “Classic Builders is immensely proud to stand alongside Plymouth Community Homes in bringing Scredda to life. As PCH’s first development in St Austell and furthest west in Cornwall, this scheme is far more than bricks and mortar – it is about creating opportunity, security and a place people can truly call home. We deeply value our long-standing partnership with PCH and are honoured by their continued trust. Together, we are committed to delivering high-quality, accessible homes that will leave a lasting legacy for Cornwall and its communities.”
Peter La Broy, Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing, said: “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.”
Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing Grants for Homes England, added: “We’re pleased to see construction begin on these 48 affordable homes in St Austell, providing a mix of social rent and shared ownership homes to help meet local housing needs. Through strong partnership working, we are delivering high-quality affordable homes at pace, helping more people access safe, secure and affordable housing while supporting the growth of thriving communities across Cornwall.”
Kevin Rowett, part landowner, said: “As a family, we’re very happy that PCH have taken this project on as it’s a development that will be 100% affordable homes with priority going to local people.”
Niall Glennon, Construction Director at Norman Rourke Pryme Limited, added: “Norman Rourke Pryme are proud to have been involved in acquiring this site with Plymouth Community Homes and working closely with the Rowett family, who were keen to see this site being brought forward, to provide housing for local people. We are delighted to be working as Employers Agent for Plymouth Community Homes, delivering this housing scheme that will help provide 48 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local people. This development reflects our commitment to supporting sustainable communities by increasing access to safe, well-designed, and affordable housing.”
Elsewhere in Cornwall, work is continuing to bring 16 new affordable homes to Darite, a small village near Liskeard in partnership with Classic Builders, also made possible thanks to funding from Cornwall Council and Homes England.
The first homes which are to be offered for social rent will be available in late 2027.
All available homes to rent in Cornwall are advertised on Cornwall Home Choice, a partnership of local social landlords. To bid for a property or to be considered for a tenancy, registration will need to be completed using their online application form.
Photo credit: Plymouth Community Homes. Edwin Brotherton, Site Manager at Classic Builders, Andrew Lawrie, Head of Head of Development & Housing Sales at Plymouth Community Homes, Adam Pitt, Classic Builders at ***, Tina Olver, Development Manager at Plymouth Community Homes, Niall Glennon, Construction Director at Norman Rourke Pryme Limited, Craig Francis, Senior Development Manager at Plymouth Community Homes and Claire Baldry, Senior Project Manager at Plymouth Community Homes (left – right).
