Building at the Poundbury development at Dorchester commenced in 1993, although the project won’t reach completion until at least 2025. Perhaps less widely known, the Duchy of Cornwall has been working on two projects at Newquay, in Cornwall.
In 2012, Tregunnel Hill (known locally as ‘surfbury‘) became the first mixed use development on Duchy land and comprises 174 homes, including 48 two and three bedroomed affordable homes.
The Duchy’s second Newquay project, Nansledan, started in 2014, and will eventually comprise 4,000 homes – although they’ll be built at a rate of 100 per year, so the development will take at least 40 years to complete. The urban extension on a 218 hectare site will offer 30 per cent affordable homes with workspace to support a similar number of jobs.
Nansledan (Cornish for ‘broad valley’) is being built by a consortium of three South West building companies, including C G Fry & Son which has worked with the Duchy for 20 years at Tregunnel Hill and Poundbury.
Nansledan will incorporate social infrastructure with its own high street and primary school, Methodist chapel, allotment gardens and an orchard. The plans encompass the Prince’s Ten Principles for Sustainable Urban Growth: public consultation, masterplan, sustainability, local identity, Cornish resources, indigenous needs, relationship with Newquay, environmental impact assessment, efficient land use and viability.
The naming strategy draws upon Arthurian legend, and the tongue-twisting place names are Cornish translations, among which: Kosti Veur, Trewolek, Chapelkenrhwili, Riel, Hendra, Kresenik Pennfenten, and Plen Mengleudh.
Prince Charles has approved all aspects of the project, including the brightly pastel-coloured render and painted brickwork of the houses. Slate and granite is being used on roofs, lintels, kerb stones and street signs, and is quarried within an hour of the site. Local craftsmen will be employed to provide training and apprenticeship opportunities to the next generation.
However, purchasers will pay for the privilege, with a three bedroomed terraced property likely to attract a premium of 18% over similar, standard-built local properties. The Prince’s Foundation estimates that values will increase by 18% more in the short term (two to three years) than similar properties, but will fall into line within three years.
Contact PropertySurveying.co.uk for help and advice when buying property in Newquay and Cornwall.