Have your say in the future of Truro
By Don Alder Principal Town Planner at South West law firm Foot Anstey.
Truro is the most important town in Carrick District and without doubt the most important settlement in Cornwall. What happens to Truro in the future is, therefore, of importance to everyone who lives in Cornwall. Just think of what this relatively small city has within its bounds. A magnificent cathedral, a hospital of regional importance, the largest shopping centre in Cornwall and much more.
The Council want anyone who is interested in the future of Truro, and that must be all of us, to comment on its draft Action Plan setting out the way this growth could be managed
Truro is poised for significant growth over the next 15 years. What does this involve? More housing for sure. 233 houses every year or 3,495 by 2016 with 2,300 being concentrated in a development based upon the Highertown Ridge/Threemilestone area. With housing comes more employment sites and shops.
What should we think about? Well firstly, how should Truro look in the future? No change is not an option and with this scale of growth the Council accepts that by 2026, Truro will feel very different to how it does today.
A better, more attractive, more vibrant city with a stronger economy is their vision. Certainly Truro deserves it but will it happen? Think, therefore, about where this growth will occur. A significant housing development is planned for Higher Newham and Tolgarrick. These are highly visual sites which the Council describe as presenting a challenge in terms of its landscape impact. A new road around the south of the site linking Arch Hill and Newham Industrial Estate is needed for these sites.
The old Richard Lander School, land near the new one at Higher Besore and at Langarth are also future options preferred for the housing. The golf course is a ‘reserve’ site for housing as a new and better facility must be built before it is developed.
Employment provision seeks to maximise Truro’s assets of the Treliske Hospital and Truro College and to build on the existing employment estates.
Some exciting community benefits come with this package. Significant improvements to Garass Wharf will bring the river back into city life. A new rugby and football stadium and a ‘championship’ quality golf course will act as a hub for leisure developments.
Traffic congestion will be eased with a new road providing relief to the congested A390 and two Park and Ride sites to the east and west of the city.
New shopping is not forgotten and will be part of the redevelopment of the Pydar Street area.
Will it work? Time will tell and the key, as always, is ‘money’. Everyone involved must ensure that the money is available for all parts of the development and not just the commercially viable parts.
The Council deserves credit for publishing a well illustrated, easy to read, free consultation document. You have the chance to tell them whether their vision is your vision. You have until 12 March to do so.
Contact Don Alder 01392 411211 or email don.alder@foot-ansteys.co.uk
