A date has been set for plans for a national exemplar community combining food, farming, education and living to be considered by Cornwall Council’s planning councillors.
Proposals for Higher Newham Farm & Village are due to be tabled at a meeting of Cornwall Council’s Strategic Planning Committee on Thursday December 18, where it will be decided if the project will be granted outline planning permission.
Since first unveiling the project – which combines an educational community farm run by Duchy College, charity-run restaurant and cook school from Cornwall Food Foundation, and 155 homes by Living Villages – the Higher Newham team has been shaping plans in response to feedback.
So far, the project has received more than 524 responses, of which more than 500 are supportive of the plans. It has also received high profile support from the likes of Tim Smit, environmental campaigner Chris Hines and community chef Sanjay Kumar, plus charities, schools and organisations across Cornwall.
Project co-ordinator, Vicky Garner, explained: “It’s been nine months since we first announced the plans for Higher Newham, and a lot has been going on behind the scenes to ensure we create a thriving community there.
“We are delighted that there has been so much local support, not just in Truro but Cornwall wide. Of course we hope the decision of planning committee members reflects this.”
Since the project went out to public consultation, the partnership – Living Villages, Cornwall Food Foundation and Duchy College – has been working to refine aspects of the proposal, in particular around highways access and affordable housing.
Comments are still being accepted at Cornwall Council’s planning register. To comment on or support the plans, go to www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning and use reference number PA14/07792.
