Turnpike Meadow
Connor Downs, Cornwall

Affordable Housing in Connor Downs

Providing affordable housing for local people without public subsidy is a tall order. It requires understanding and assistance from all concerned. The objective at Connor Downs is to provide 11 affordable houses consisting of three different house types, different sizes and styles ensuring that a wide spectrum of local needs are catered for.

As we are not a housing association - but still have to comply with government legislation on Affordable Housing - we have had to be innovative in our legal sales structure. So we offer 999 year leases with a small ground rent  - but sell our houses at cost. They are normally likely to show purchasers a saving in their monthly outgoings, even taking into account the ground rent of £20pw over the rent on a private property in the area. Major lenders accept this system, and the only obligation which is different from a freehold sale is that the property cannot be sold in the future for a higher percentage of open market price than applied on our first sale of the house. That figure is accessed by two independant chartered surveyors.

Location

The site is located on the outskirts of Connor Downs accessed through an existing development of Arundel Court.  The village of Connor Downs provides a local pub, fish and chip shop, convenience store, petrol station, doctor's surgery, post office and local primary school. 

Connor Downs lies between Hayle and Camborne which offer a good range of facilities, including mainline railway stations, a bus station in Camborne, primary and secondary schooling and a comprehensive range of shops one would expect to find.

Wherever possible the wishes and preferences of the local people will be taken into consideration during the development.

Construction

The affordable homes will be completed on a phased basis with a 15 month build programme. First occupants are expected 22 weeks into the contract with all houses being occupied by the end of the contract period.  Target dates may vary due to adverse weather conditions or other factors. We and the developers have every incentive to finish the development as quickly as possible.

Wherever possible the wishes and preferences of the local people will be taken into consideration during the development.

Occupiers

As no public subsidy is available the occupiers need to be local people who are in employment. But the objective is to help those who are unable to afford the very high price of open market housing in Cornwall.

Legal Needs

We have advertised, held a public meeting and had discussions with Cornwall Council Housing Officer. We will identify people who have a necessary strong connection with the Gwinear/Gwithian parish and comply with government guidance criteria for allocation of affordable housing.