The Church of England’s property arm has won planning permission to build 315 new homes on the outskirts of Falmouth, Cornwall amid a shortage of affordable housing in the area.

Approval for the 13.4-hectare site was granted by Cornwall council on Thursday.

The Church Commissioners' project is set to include a 280 sq m local centre for mixed-use development which connects the new homes with green spaces, play areas and the town’s existing community via existing transport links, footpaths and a new vehicular bridge.

35 per cent of the homes are set aside for affordable housing, together with a mix of housing for families, the elderly and first-time buyers.

A report from Cornwall planning officers recommended approving the scheme, despite the loss of prime agricultural land, as no other lower-grade sites are available in the area to meet housing needs.

The site is expected to significantly boost the housing supply, especially for affordable homes.

Despite this, the decision has been condemned by one local councillor who raised concerns over insufficient infrastructure to support the influx of residents.

While acknowledging the importance of affordable and rented accommodation for residents, Cllr David Saunby told the Packet "schools are at near or full capacity, doctors and dentists are struggling to cope as it is, I dread to think what will happen in a few years’ time when this development has been developed."

Matthew Naylor, Team Lead, Strategic Land at the Church Commissioners said: “our proposals support the Cornwall Local Plan’s vision for the sensitive growth of Falmouth and are in line with the Archbishops' Commission's vision for sustainable, safe, stable, social and satisfying homes and communities.”

The Church Commissioners’ strategic land pipeline is suitable for the delivery of approximately 32,000 homes across England, of which 8,000 were subject to live planning applications in 2023.