Construction Partners has made the decision to halt construction on a new estate in Calstock, Cornwall, leaving over 30 newly built properties abandoned and boarded up.
The move comes as the firm faces significant financial challenges and blames delays attributed to planning disputes with Cornwall Council.
Financial Strain and Planning Disputes
The developer, Construction Partners, alleges that increased costs, including an additional £1.2 million in interest payment charges, have rendered the project financially unsustainable.
These costs have accumulated while awaiting approval from Cornwall Council, which the developer claims has imposed additional requirements on the project, such as the construction of a second road, a complex draining system, and a £750,000 retaining wall.
Impact on Affordable Housing and Local Community
Among the abandoned properties are 15 homes designated for affordable housing. However, parish councillors have raised concerns that the remaining properties, valued between £500,000 and £800,000, are beyond the means of most locals.
The situation has been described as “tragic” by Calstock parish councillor Dorothy Kirk, who emphasizes the importance of finding a solution to provide housing for the local community.
Council Response and Ongoing Discussions
Cornwall Council acknowledges the issues surrounding the development, which have persisted for several years.
The council asserts its commitment to working with developers to ensure that housing developments, including affordable housing, are delivered in accordance with planning permissions.
Active discussions with stakeholders are ongoing to resolve the issues and secure the delivery of the development, including its vital affordable housing component.
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