School Hill, Mevagissey

The site is located immediately opposite the Primary School in the popular fishing village of Mevagissey, near St Austell, Cornwall. The site is in an enviable position, sloping towards the cliff-tops and benefiting from stunning views of the Southern Cornish Coastline and English Channel.

Westcountry Land & Homes successfully achieved planning permission for a residential project for 31 dwellings, as a cross-subsidy scheme with 21 affordable homes and 10 open market homes in October 2012. There was significant local opposition, including from the Parish Council. Although planning permission was granted by Cornwall Council, it was subsequently quashed by a judicial review process.

Westcountry Land & Homes had always believed that this site is one of the most appropriate locations for new housing in Mevagissey and as such were not prepared to surrender. A revised scheme for 12 homes, including 7 affordable homes for local people in need, was submitted. This application was refused by planning committee in June 2015 despite a planning officer recommendation for approval. Westcountry Land & Homes then decided to challenge the decision and pursued a planning appeal which was successful, with planning permission being granted in February 2016.

Construction commenced in October 2016, with the first units scheduled for completion in the summer of 2017. In reality, construction of all units was completed in summer 2018. We were delighted to hand over 7 affordable homes to LiveWest and see the 5 open-market homes sold shortly afterwards — to very happy new homeowners!