Keep an eye out on here for regular updates on progress with the possible acquisition of the former school playing field, as mandated by the public meeting held on 2nd December 2024.
11th February 2026
The feedback from Cornwall Council is that they are presently trying to formalise a mechanism of how they can bring sites that will provide less than 20 dwellings forward. Through their restructure it looks like they have created two new roles within Property that will deal with Homes Cornwall and acquisition of land for renewable energy or utilising CC land. There will be a delay as the re-structure does not come into effect until April 1st when they are hoping to have personnel for these two roles. Until such time that the Council has explored all the possibilities of this land being developed for residential purposes we have to put the possible sale to the Parish on hold.
Garry Becconsall also explained to our CFF officer that any future plan would include an area of land (one building plot size) that could be used as a community green space for an allotment or orchard for example. Clearly this is far less than the original ambitions.
8th October 2025
Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey in August. The results can be seen here
3rd September 2025
The Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) came into force on 12th December 2024, just as we decided to acquire the field.This sets out revised guidance and policies for planning across England.
From Cornwall Council; “The Government published a standard housing method alongside the NPPF. This is the method that we must use to understand how many new homes should be built each year in Cornwall. We must now plan for 4,421 homes in Cornwall instead of the 2,707 that we have been planning for under the current Local Plan. Where a plan is more than 5 years old, we must be able to show that the plan can meet the new housing requirement of 4,421 homes per year for it to remain ‘up to date’. We have concluded that this is not currently possible and on that basis some of our policies in the Local Plan will be considered ‘out of date’ for decision making. However, where our policies remain consistent with the NPPF they can continue to be used for decision making”.
It’s effect on St Martin field: The new Cornwall Council elected in May 2025, is now, therefore, very focused on providing extra housing. It wishes to re-visit Registered Housing Providers (RHP’s) to see if they are interested in the site and this procedure could take a few months.
21st August 2025
Complete the online questionnaire and if you don’t wish to complete it online you can print it out and fill it out by hand. Then post it in the Parish Hall post box by 6th September. Thank you.
July 23rd 2025
Still waiting on Cornwall Council and it’s application to the Secretary of State for Education for permission to sell.
June 11th 2025
The Parish Council solicitor is waiting for the contract from Cornwall Council. Since the election there has been a change in portfolio holders and their remits, resulting in responsibility overlap and confusion as to who is responsible for this transaction. Cornwall Council also still has to apply to the Department of Education (Secretary of State) for approval to sell the school land.
An application to the Community Capacity Fund has been submitted to cover legal fees, a public consultation exercise, ecology and asbestos surveys. If successful, this will help with costs.
May 14th 2025
Updated Heads of Terms have been received from Cornwall Council to reflect the fact that the sale is not over 15 years due to the Parish Council obtaining a loan sanction instead.
April 9th 2025
Terms have been agreed with Cornwall Council for the acquisition of the field. A loan sanction is now being applied for and a local solicitor has been engaged.
March 26th 2025
The Parish Council has made an offer to Cornwall Council and awaits its response.
February 12th 2025
The Parish Council is considering quotes/professional advice received and engaging with the appropriate people concerning this.
January 8th 2025
Following the PC meeting on 11th December, the PC has met to consider how best to progress the acquisition. It is in the process of engaging professional advisers to assist in the process and is obtaining costings for the removal of the existing structures and the general clearance of the site.
