Council approves flexible deal on Narrowcliff affordable housing

Cornwall Council has approved a modification to the planning agreement for the redevelopment of the Narrowcliff site in Newquay.

It allows the first phase of the project to proceed while delays continue over the relocation of the GP surgery.

The developer, Salboy, asked the council to amend the timing and delivery of its affordable housing obligations because Block 2 of the scheme cannot be built until Narrowcliff Surgery moves to a new location. Under the approved change, a “fallback” system has been created to ensure it still receives affordable housing contributions, whether or not the surgery relocation goes ahead.

If the surgery does not move and Blocks 2 and 3 cannot be delivered, the developer will be required to pay an off-site affordable housing contribution for Block 1. If the relocation is secured and the remaining phases can be built as planned, the developer must provide the affordable homes on-site within Block 3, as originally agreed. If an off-site contribution has already been paid, the council says Block 3 would need to be redesigned to avoid the developer paying twice.

The Council said the obligation to provide affordable housing “continues to serve a useful purpose” and that the modification gives flexibility without reducing the overall contribution. Newquay is identified as a “main town” in local planning policy, meaning housing development is supported in principle.

The application follows concerns raised locally about delays to the relocation of Narrowcliff Surgery and the impact on the wider project. Newquay Town Council previously objected to any move towards accepting money instead of on-site affordable homes, warning the houses could be delivered elsewhere in Cornwall rather than in the town.

The decision takes effect immediately and is tied to a Deed of Modification signed on 25 November.