Persimmon Submits Outline Plans for 325 Homes at Gewan’s Farm, St Austell

Cornwall’s housing waiting list now sits at over 25,000 households, one of the longest in Britain. A new application could chip away at that figure.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon, the county’s largest housebuilder, has submitted an outline planning application to build up to 325 homes at Gewan’s Farm in St Austell. If approved, the consent would establish the principle of development at the site and open the door to more detailed applications further down the line.

A Quarter Going to Affordable Housing

Twenty-five percent of the properties would be transferred to a local housing association. With the county’s waiting list sitting above 25,000 households, that allocation could make a dent in demand that has built up over years.

Approval would also trigger millions of pounds of infrastructure investment from the developer.

Green Space and Wildlife at the Centre

The plans lean heavily on green credentials. Tree and hedgerow retention and planting are built into the design, alongside a sustainable drainage system and wildlife corridors. The site is set to deliver a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain, 15% canopy cover, and a community orchard.

A significant proportion of the land would stay reserved for green infrastructure. That includes separate central and country parks, teenage provision, and equipped, natural, and accessible play areas.

Connecting Into the Town

The scheme would link into the existing public right of way network, the nearby supermarket, town centre, allotments, and cycleways. Persimmon says the layout is designed to promote active travel and help residents reach local amenities without relying on the car.

The five-star accredited builder says it has carried out extensive engagement with the local community ahead of the submission, working with Cornwall Council, its Design Review Panel, and members of its planning committees. The developer also spoke with consultees, made an offer to the Town Council, and ran a public consultation.

Part of a Wider Cornish Push

The St Austell application follows another recent submission from Persimmon to bring up to 300 new homes to Saltash. The developer is currently building in Bodmin, Falmouth, Helston, and Newquay.

Andy Hill, managing director of Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon, said:

“We’re very pleased to be bring forward this outline application to bring 325 new homes to St Austell, meeting a variety of housing with an ambitious vision that has nature at its heart.

“Persimmon has taken great care to ensure that the scheme would slot in nicely with existing development and travel connections, ensuring this feels like a garden village in St Austell.

“We will continue to work closely with a number of authorities and stakeholders so we can get planning consent and invest millions of pounds in the local infrastructure to the benefit of our potential customers and existing residents alike.”

The application now sits with Cornwall Council.