St Austell & Surrounding Parishes Town Framework

St Austell & Surrounding Parishes Town Framework March 2017 Contents

1. Introduction 4 1.1. The document 4 1.2. Background to the area 4 1.3. Understanding St Austell 6

2. Vision and Objectives 8

3. St Austell’s Future Spatial Strategy 10 3.1. Overarching strategy 10 3.2. Economic Strategy 11 3.3. Retail Strategy 16 3.4. Housing Strategy 18

4. Infrastructure 22 4.1. Introduction 22 4.2. Green Infrastructure 28 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Introduction and Vision

1. Introduction 1.1. The document 1.1.1 The St Austell and surrounding parishes Town Framework is a document that sets out a Vision and a strategy for the future development and change of the urban area of the town and its immediate hinterland. (The document is referred to as the St Austell Town Framework through the remainder of the document). 1.1.2 The development of the Town Framework included a significant amount of engagement; including consultation with Cornwall Council members, the Town Council and surrounding Parish Councils; as well as public consultations. 1.1.3 The document was considered and prepared through a St Austell and surrounding parishes Member Steering Group. The local steering group recognises that the future prosperity of St Austell and the surrounding Parishes are inextricably linked. Parishes that have been represented in the Steering Group along with St Austell Town Council include: St Austell Bay; Charlestown; Carlyon; Pentewan Valley; St Mewan; Treverbyn and Trewoon. 1.1.4 The St Austell Town Framework articulates the overarching strategy for the town, incorporating issues relating to Economic growth, Transportation, and Green Infrastructure. The intention is that the Town Framework sets out a holistic strategy, which brings together all of the main aspirations, particularly spatial aspirations, for Cornwall Council and the local community. 1.1.5 The St Austell Town Framework is one of a series of ‘Frameworks’ that have been produced by Cornwall Council; these documents form a key evidence base for the Cornwall Allocation Development Plan Document (DPD), which sits alongside the Local Plan, the Council’s main planning document for Cornwall. The DPD will be used in the determination of planning applications by Cornwall Council. 1.1.6 The St Austell Framework Plan and allocations proposed in the DPD will supersede the existing Regeneration Plan for the purposes of considering urban extensions to the town for the broad area that the Framework Plan covers.

Holy Trinity Church

1.2. Background to the area 1.2.1 St Austell sits in the centre of Cornwall and is the largest town in Cornwall in terms of population. The area has traditionally benefitted from China Clay mining and has a rich industrial heritage. Diminished China clay workings, both current and historic are spread in an arc to the north, north-east and north-west fringes of the town.

4 St Austell and Surrounding ParishesTown Framework: March 2017 Introduction and Vision

Figure 1: St Austell’s location in Cornwall

Key Facts: Population (2011 Census): 21,389 Dwellings (2011 Census): 9,675 Average house building rate (2005-2015): 160 per annum Housing need (Bands A-E) February 2017: 841 Average Wage (ONS Annual Survey 2013): £433 per week

1.2.2 At the time of writing there were approximately 841 families with a local connection to St Austell in housing need on the Councils HomeChoice Register. Furthermore due to social trends and people living longer it is resulting in a continued reduction in average household size; in particular the aging population is making a significant contribution to the number of single person households. This means a number of new homes will be needed just for the existing population moving forward. 1.2.3 As well as the need for a small number of new homes beyond those that already have planning permission, the area’s infrastructure both at present and in the future will require improvement. The local member steering group have identified the improvement of infrastructure as the key aspiration for St Austell. Details of infrastructure assessments and potential requirements are set out in section 4. 1.2.4 Traffic congestion is a particular issue through the south of the town along the A390 with resulting poor air quality issues. The area is also subject to an Air Quality Management Zone. 1.2.5 While these are challenges for the town to address there are many opportunities for the town and its surrounding areas to embrace. Some of the larger employers in the town have continued to thrive and expand, and a major project awaiting delivery in the surrounding area is the St Austell and China Clay Eco-communities, which are proposed to deliver new homes, jobs, community facilities and accessible open space, all to a high 5 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Introduction and Vision

environmental standard. The focus of the Eco Communities is a proposal at West Carclaze for 1200 homes. 1.2.6 The wider St Austell Bay area also represents a key asset that could be exploited further for its tourism opportunities. 1.2.7 Industrial development has generally taken place to the east of the town centre around Holmbush, with recent investment also being focussed to the north with the development of the St Austell Enterprise Park. 1.2.8 These proposals and other initiatives such as the Eden Project have acted as a catalyst for investment in renewable technologies and associated industries. There is a significant opportunity for the area to diversify its industrial base and invest in sustainable employment and business opportunities, as well as promote additional jobs in the town centre.

1.3. Understanding St Austell 1.3.1 In preparing a strategy for an area’s future it is important to consider how it currently operates including the structure of its neighbourhoods and facilities (see Figure 2). St Austell is made up of several different neighbourhoods and it is important to recognise, support and enhance them. St Austell town centre retains much of its historic character with the medieval radial street pattern still visible. It is positioned to the west of the town, with the majority of the residential parts of town occupying the eastern half of the town. The size and scale of these residential areas, along with the distance from the town centre, have led to numerous neighbourhood centres forming, offering a limited provision of services and amenities. Greenspace in the town makes a unique contribution to the area’s character. A mature treescape shapes many parts of the towns’ skyline. 1.3.2 The landscape is characterised by the granite upland of Hensbarrow to the 1.3.3 North with its disturbed industrial landscape and to the south is an undulating plateau with deep and wooded river valleys in places. The town has also been shaped by two rivers; the Gover Stream rising to the north-west of the town and the St Austell, or White River, rising to the east. The two watercourses meet within the town and take water out to the south, via the Pentewan Valley to the coast at Mevagissey Bay. 1.3.4 In terms of transport and access, the East-West A390 is the town’s principal road, with the A391 (North East Distributor Road) taking traffic north towards the A30. The town is relatively well served by public transport with a railway station and adjacent bus station near the town centre. 1.3.5 Distance and access to the A30 is often cited as being a threat to business development and expansion, with other more favourably located sites taking business away from the town. The town also suffers from sporadic traffic flow and congestion through and around the town. 1.3.6 St Austell supports a number of smaller settlements at the outer edges of the town boundary, most notably Trewoon to the west, along with Duporth, Charlestown, Carlyon Bay and Tregorrick to the south. The relationship with these settlements makes development in certain locations particularly sensitive, with their character and separate identities an important consideration.

6 St Austell and Surrounding ParishesTown Framework: March 2017 Introduction and Vision

Figure 2: Neighbourhood and Facilities map

Copper Beech tree, Trinity Street

7 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Introduction and Vision

2. Vision and Objectives

2.3.1 When defining the vision for St Austell, the starting point is to recognise the overall vision for Cornwall, which is the Sustainable Community Strategy, ‘Future Cornwall’: Cornwall in 2030 will be an industry leader in environmental technologies (land and marine) and at the centre of a global network of businesses. It will combine internationally recognised research with skills in environmental technologies across the workforce. 2.3.2 In supporting these aspirations, the following is the vision for St Austell: “In 2030 St Austell aims to be an inspiring town that reflects its historic past but has adapted and embraced the future. It will have a diverse thriving economy based upon a wide range of industries, services and tourism’. St Austell will be a balanced and inclusive community, proud of its social and industrial heritage, yet keen to further realise its potential. It will have excellent leisure and cultural facilities and make the most of its resources, both human and natural. The different character and identity of the neighbourhoods that make up the town will have been protected and enhanced, along with the natural and physical environment. Smaller settlements around St Austell whose boundaries overlap with the town will have benefitted from and contributed to a more prosperous town while protecting and enhancing their own identities and community infrastructure. St Austell will have a lively, vibrant town centre with a range of facilities making it a welcoming, engaging destination for both visitors and local residents. Housing, transport and other infrastructure will have adapted to the changing character of the town and be robust enough to support a more prosperous population.” 2.3.3 The vision for St Austell originates from a Town Council draft vision which has been updated by local elected Members, town and parish councillors, and through public consultation. 2.3.4 A number of strategic objectives have also been set out in the Cornwall Local Plan for the St Austell Community Network Area covering Infrastructure, Environment, Flooding, Affordable Housing, Economy and New Development. 2.3.5 A series of specific strategic aims for St Austell have also been established through the Town Framework:

To improve & strengthen the town centre

To manage and improve air To promote the quality town and wider St. To provide high quality Austell bay area as a green space destination for visitors To promote job creation in low carbon industries To protect the identity of settlements within the town’s hinterland

8 St Austell and Surrounding ParishesTown Framework: March 2017 Introduction and Vision

Targets 2.3.6 The Local Plan: Strategic Policies document has set the following targets for St Austell: • To develop 2900 dwellings between 2010 and 20301 • To support the provision of around 9,750sqm of B1a office accommodation and 12,500sqm of B1c / B2 / B8 Industrial space

Early morning in the town

1 In addition to the 2900 target for St Austell, there are separate targets for the two Eco- community site (1200 dwellings in the Plan period and 2000 when fully delivered beyond the plan period), plus 300 dwellings in the remainder of the St Austell Community Network Area 9 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 The Spatial Strategy

3. St Austell’s Future Spatial Strategy 3.1. Overarching strategy 3.1.1 St Austell and its hinterland aspires to drive economic development, and deliver transformational change; which will be delivered in many ways. This includes the continued support to the Eden Project; the promotion of the Eco-communities project on the town’s hinterland, and the Carlyon Bay development proposals at the coast; promotion and support of projects identified by the St Austell Bay Economic Forum (SABEF); development of renewable technology and sustainable construction projects; and the protection and enhancement of the area’s natural environment. 3.1.2 Set within this context, the town still plans to grow, but this needs to be undertaken sensitively, to both protect St Austell’s most sensitive landscapes, as well as ensuring the separate identities of the communities within St Austell’s hinterland are maintained, while benefitting from the enhanced services and amenities within the town. The landscape within the wider St Austell Bay area rises from the coast in the south towards the towns’ hinterland in the north; important ridge lines and skylines should be protected. The A391 at the eastern edge of the town is a clear physical barrier which creates a logical edge to the town. 3.1.3 Linked to its environmental credentials, there is an aspiration to enhance St Austell’s role as a tourism destination. The wider St Austell Bay area is an attractive destination which the town can capitalise on to attract both visitors and investors. The permitted Carlyon Bay development will offer accommodation to bring further people into the local area, as well as offer facilities and services for day visitors and local residents. This project will be further enhanced in the future when Par Docks is transformed into a marina. The aspiration to strengthen the town centre offer will also help to attract more visitors to spend more time and money within the town. 3.1.4 The promotion and enhancement of the town centre is a key regeneration aspiration, with the development of Old Vicarage Place seen as an opportunity to add further retail space within the town centre, linking with the recently developed White River Place. The proposed redevelopment of the historic Market house is also an important project. 3.1.5 Further economic growth within the town will have a greater focus on the development of office related uses, with opportunity for industrial development focused to the east of the town at Par Moor and also within the town’s hinterland, such as the delivery of the St Austell Technology Park, and the West Carclaze Eco-community, etc., to the north of the town. This will link with plans to develop a link road to the A30, which creating a high quality vehicular access to Cornwall’s Strategic Highway Network, in doing so making St Austell a much more attractive commercial centre.

3.1.6 As well as supporting the delivery of One of the welcoming entrances to appropriate sites within the towns existing White River Place

10 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 The Spatial Strategy urban area, St Austell’s main direction of growth will be to its south-west, creating a mix of uses that is within easy reach of the town centre. This proposal will enable a link from Pentewan Road through to Truro Road, serving both existing and new retail, commercial and employment uses, as well as an expanded community. Parts of the proposal overlap the adjacent Pentewan Valley Parish boundary. 3.1.7 Beyond the creation of a new A30 link road, the improvement of the town’s other infrastructure also represents a fundamental component of delivering growth for the town in a sustainable manner. Improved education and health facilities, open space, highway and sustainable transport measures are all necessary to support the planned growth and deliver transformational change. 3.1.8 Further details on delivery of Transport and Green Infrastructure Strategies are outlined in Section 4 of this document. 3.2. Economic Strategy 3.2.1 St Austell’s economy has benefitted from china clay mining. However with the changing nature and reduction of mining within the area, the town has had to look to other industries for its employment, whether in the form of industrial employment, the public sector, retail, tourism and other service sectors. Maintaining and enhancing opportunities arising from these sectors represents an important component of the overall strategy for the town. 3.2.2 There is an aspiration to grow St Austell Bay’s economy, encompassing and with a focus of green industries; this can relate to environmental technology, sustainable construction; renewable energy; as well as sustainable tourism opportunities. The St Austell Bay Economic Forum (SABEF) have highlighted a number of projects. Support and promotion of these will be important, as key economic drivers for the wider bay area, incorporating the town of St Austell. 3.2.3 The development of St Austell’s economy needs to look beyond the confines of the town, recognising the importance of the West Carclaze Eco-community as a new economic hub; as well as creating better links to the A30 and the safeguarded employment sites of Victoria and Indian Queens. Improved links will also strengthen the connection between St Austell and Newquay, helping to create a mid-Cornwall economic corridor. 3.2.4 Furthermore, the post industrial mining landscape represents an opportunity to deliver economic growth that will support the town and surrounding villages, whilst regenerating these redundant mining sites. 3.2.5 A key contributor to St Austell’s green agenda is the iconic Eden Project, which represents one of Cornwall’s most significant visitor attractions. As well as maintaining and enhancing Eden as one of Cornwall’s premier visitor attractions, it is also seeking to develop a deep geo-thermal power plant, which would be the first of its kind in the UK. The presence of such a facility would offer the opportunity to attract other environmental technology businesses to the area. 3.2.6 The wider St Austell Bay area also represents a key asset that could be exploited further for its tourism opportunities. One such project that can help to exploit this asset is the permitted Carlyon Bay development proposals (PA11/01331). This will bring more long stay visitors to the area, as well as day visitors to take advantage of the facilities it will have to offer. There is also an aspiration to bring disused clay pits back into use, which could include outdoor extreme sports facilities, such as mountain biking, which could act as a Cornwall-wide / regional draw for the area. 3.2.7 With more people visiting the area, there is a related aspiration to attract more of these people to visit the town centre, which is discussed in more detail in the following Retail section.

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3.2.8 Creating improved transport links from the A30 will help to make St Austell and the Clay Country a much more commercially attractive location, particularly to the north of the town, where there is a greater focus on industrial development. 3.2.9 Holmbush Industrial Estate represents St Austell’s largest employment site, whilst the recently developed St Austell Enterprise Park also provides an important contribution to the town’s economy; beyond this there is the opportunity for further industrial development at Par Moor in the medium term, as well as various smaller employment sites scattered across the town. 3.2.10 In supporting the delivery of St Austell’s economic aspirations, the Cornwall Local Plan has targeted the delivery of at least 12,500sqm of industrial space and 9,750sqm of office space within the Plan period. Office 3.2.11 In line with national policy, office development will be encouraged to locate to town centre or edge of centre sites. However, despite the clear advantages that this would have for the town, it is recognised that New industrial space at St Austell Business Park the challenging nature of the town centre and edge of centre site opportunities mean that alternative locations should also be highlighted; this will ensure delivery is not constrained in the short-term, plus offer opportunities for businesses not seeking a town centre location. 3.2.12 Pentewan (STA-M1) and Edgecumbe (STA-M2) have been identified as mixed use proposals, which would form part of the wider Trewhiddle Urban Extension (PA14/12161). Delivery of office space in these locations will link to the strategic direction for housing growth; complement the offices already within this location; and will sit close to the main vehicular route through the town. 3.2.13 A site to the east of the town at Par Moor offers the opportunity for provision of office space in the medium to long term, i.e. from 2023 onwards. 3.2.14 Furthermore, there are opportunities for new office accommodation to be located within the West Carclaze Eco-community, which sits within the adjacent Community Network Area, and is within easy commuting distance of the town and on the proposed A30 link road.

Industrial 3.2.15 There are a number of proposed schemes within St Austell’s hinterland for industrial space, including the Carluddon Technology Park, as well as other employment sites located within the West Carclaze Eco-community. These sites are within easy commuting distance of the town and located on the proposed new A30 link road, so they represent appropriate locations to focus future industrial growth for the town and wider Community Network Areas. 3.2.16 A relatively large site has also been identified to the east of the town at Par Moor (STA-E3), which provides the opportunity for industrial space in the medium to long term

14 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 The Spatial Strategy i.e. 2023 onwards. The site currently has temporary permission to be used as a depot for the consented Carlyon Bay beachfront development, after which it represents a good location for employment uses that are not able to be located within the town itself.

3.2.17 Protecting St Austell’s existing industrial base also remains a key priority. Holmbush Industrial Estate represent St Austell’s largest employment site and is well located on the A391 and at the end of the proposed A30 link road. As a result Holmbush Industrial Estate (STA-E1) is protected as a strategically important employment site in line with Policy 5 of the Cornwall LP:SP document.

3.2.18 The sites that could deliver the future economic growth of St Austell are set out below, whilst Figure 4 sets out their locations as well as important existing sites:

3.2.19 SAR1: St Austell Town Centre – Support for office uses within the town centre, although this should be on upper storeys within the primary retail area (see Figure 5 for retail boundaries).

3.2.20 STA-M1: Pentewan – to deliver high quality office space, it is estimated approx. 2,000 sqm could be delivered as part of a mixed use development.

3.2.21 STA-M2: Edgecumbe – to provide approximately 1,000 sqm of office space adjacent to the permitted Trewhiddle development promoting a mix of uses.

3.2.22 STA-E2: Par Moor – a relatively large area to provide industrial space in the medium / long term to the east of the town.

Figure 4: Distribution of employment sites and options

15 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 The Retail Strategy

3.3. Retail Strategy 3.3.1 A good quality retail offer can provide many advantages beyond just offering residents’ daily essentials. Vibrant welcoming retail centres can provide a leisure offer; a focal point for the community; an important employment base; as well as helping to stimulate other development within the town. 3.3.2 St Austell is an important retail centre providing for a wide catchment from the surrounding towns and villages. The town centre is focused around Fore Street and White River Place and is a Business Improvement District. There has been substantial physical regeneration of the town centre over the past few years and there is a variety of retail unit sizes and a mix of chain and independent retailers. St Austell also has various areas of out of town retailing, predominately located around Holmbush and Pentewan Road. 3.3.3 Improving the retail offer for the residents of St Austell remains a key priority, with the continued regeneration of the town centre sitting at the heart of these ambitions. The development of White River Place started this process, providing a range of modern small to medium sized retail units, together with other services and facilities.

Figure 5: St Austell Town Boundary & Primary Retail Area

3.3.4 Many of the smaller retail units in the town centre provide an important local presence and individuality of retail offer within the town. 3.3.5 There are various actions that can be undertaken to continue to improve the attractiveness of the town centre, including: Improved marketing and events, public realm improvements; reusing vacant or underused upper storeys of buildings; as well as developing new retail space. Important projects include the St Austell Townscape Heritage Scheme and

16 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 The Retail Strategy the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the refurbishment of the Market House. Embracing the area’s china clay history there is also a project for pottery and craft workshops with ceramic displays embedded into the town centre; creating business and educational opportunities. 3.3.6 The Retail Study Update (2015) indicated a capacity within the Plan period for approximately 6,500sqm of comparison floorspace and approximately 2,800sqm2 of new convenience floorspace, assuming the permitted foodstore at Pentewan Road (PA12/06049) is delivered. Since this study, an application at Higher Trewhiddle Farm (PA14/12161) has been permitted, which will deliver 10,133sqm of A1 retail space. As a result, there is not anticipated to be capacity to deliver further retail growth within the Plan period. 3.3.7 Despite the lack of capacity, to deliver on the aspiration for an improved retail offer, together with the aim of continuing the regeneration of the town centre, Old Vicarage Place (STA-R1) has been allocated for retail development. This site could provide a net increase in retail floorspace, as well as offer larger footprint units not currently prevalent within the town centre. The site is also adjacent to both Fore Street and White River Place, which offers the opportunity to further strengthen the town centre offer.

White River Place

2 The convenience and comparison retail floorspace figures assume non-delivery of the permitted retail scheme at Holmbush Bush / Daniels Lane (C2/09/01680). Since this time Lidl are constructing a replacement store in this location, which will provide a net additional 705 sqm of net sales area. As a result, the floorspace targets will be reduced the floorspace targets would be reduced accordingly 17 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Housing Strategy

3.4. Housing Strategy 3.4.1 St Austell has witnessed significant housing growth in the recent past, in doing so St Austell now represents Cornwall’s largest town. Despite this there still remains a significant need for housing, particularly affordable housing, within the area. Housing Targets 3.4.2 St Austell (incorporating Charlestown, Duporth and Carlyon Bay) has been identified to provide around 2,900 dwellings between 2010 and 2030. Furthermore, within St Austell’s hinterland the Cornwall LP:SP document targets the delivery of two ‘Eco-community’ sites, which together will deliver a further 1,200 dwellings within the Plan period. 3.4.3 There are a relatively high number of new dwellings that have been built since 2010 which will contribute to meeting the housing target. Furthermore there are a number of dwellings that have planning permission but which are yet to be built – these will also contribute toward meeting the housing target. 3.4.4 Table 1 sets out current and anticipated delivery against the St Austell housing target:

Target 2,900

Net Completions (from Apr-10 to Mar-16) 1,069 Net extant planning permissions (at Mar-16) 1,268 Large sites (100+) with permission subject to s106* 373 Net Windfall projection 171 Net additional urban capacity 49 Residual Target -30 * 373 dwellings relates to: Higher Trewhiddle Farm (PA14/12161) for 460 dwellings Table 1: Housing Delivery within Plan Period

3.4.5 Table 1 indicates that completions, permissions and anticipated windfall will deliver the housing target. Despite this, sites at Pentewan Road (STA-M1) and Edgcumbe (STA-M2) have been allocated, which will provide some housing as part of mixed use proposals, in doing so enabling new road infrastructure. The sites form part of a wider proposal within the Trewhiddle area, which has permission (PA14/12161); the combination of the sites will support the delivery of a new link road from Pentewan Road to Penwinnick Road, which will help to alleviate congestion on the A390. 3.4.6 It should also be noted that new dwellings planned in relation to the eco-communities proposals are within a different Community Network Area and will contribute to the wider area housing requirements as set out in the Cornwall Local Plan. Planning for infrastructure provision however requires consideration of developments within and around St Austell including the potential eco-communities proposals. Affordable Housing 3.4.7 Low wage levels and relatively high house prices result in many people struggling to get a foothold on the housing ladder. At the time of writing there are approximately 841 families on the Council’s HomeChoice Register that have a local connection to St Austell. As a result, any new housing scheme, including mixed use schemes, delivering a net increase of 10 units or more, (not including replacement dwellings), must provide 30% affordable housing. 18 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Housing Strategy

3.4.8 More information on affordable housing policies in within the Cornwall Local Plan and more information on HomeChoice and how housing need is classified can found on the Council’s website. Housing Mix 3.4.9 In line with policy 6 of the Local Plan, larger developments of 10 units or more should provide a mix of housing sizes to reflect the needs of the local community; in doing so addressing affordable housing need and housing demand; contributing to the diversity of housing in the local area and helping to redress any housing imbalance that exists, as well as responding to the requirements of a changing population. Location of housing development 3.4.10 The search for housing sites started within the existing urban area (i.e. determining the capacity of the urban area), before searching for greenfield Urban Extension sites. This seeks to reduce the need to develop on greenfield land, due to the importance of this land as an agricultural resource and its amenity and landscape value. Urban sites 3.4.11 A number of relatively large brownfield and undeveloped sites within the urban area have been developed in recent years in St Austell. Some brownfield sites if they do become available may also be appropriate for a mix of uses including for employment or retail. Smaller redevelopment sites may occur and an estimate of these is included in the overall estimate of remaining urban capacity for the town. 3.4.12 The strategy map (figure 3) identifies the location of sites (over 10 dwellings) with planning permission which are at varying stages of being built. Urban Extension 3.4.13 In assessing the appropriateness of all land immediately surrounding St Austell’s urban area a preferred urban extension location to the south west of the town at Trewhiddle was identified. This area was granted planning permission (PA14/12161) in 2015 for approximately 460 dwellings and will therefore represent the main direction of growth for the town. 3.4.14 As a result of St Austell’s urban capacity; the large number of sites either built or with planning permission including the large site at Trewhiddle, there is no need to identify further urban extensions to St Austell to deliver the Cornwall Looking over St Asutell Local Plan target. 3.4.15 Despite this, sites on Pentewan Road (STA-M1) and Edgcumbe (STA-M2) have been identified, which will provide some housing as part of mixed use sites, and indoingso enabling important road infrastructure. The sites adjoin and form part of the wider permitted Trewhiddle proposal, (PA14/12161); the combination of the sites will support the delivery of a new link road from Pentewan Road to Penwinnick Road, which will help to alleviate congestion on the A390. The strategy map (Figure 3) shows the site location and link road proposal.

19 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Housing Strategy

3.4.16 STA-M1: Pentewan Road 3.4.17 Pentewan Road should deliver approximately 100 dwellings and at least 2,000sqm of B1 office space. The office space should be provided to the east of the site,nearto Pentewan Road, but outside of the 3b flood plain. 3.4.18 The site must deliver an element of a link road, which will provide a continuous route from Pentewan Road through to the A390, when delivered in conjunction with the adjacent permitted development at Higher Trewhiddle Farm (PA14/12161). The road should be constructed to a sufficient capacity so that it can act as a local distributor road for traffic seeking to bypass the double mini roundabout at Pentewan Rd / Trevanion Rd. 3.4.19 At least 87.02sqm of net additional public open space per dwelling should be provided on site, in line with the St Austell Green Infrastructure Strategy and the minimum size thresholds within Table 3. 3.4.20 The eastern edge of the site, running adjacent to Pentewan Road is a Flood Zone 3b area, no residential development should be placed within this area; instead it should be used as green infrastructure and/or parking for the proposed employment space. 3.4.21 Planning permission for the development of only part of the site will not be granted, unless it is in accordance with a masterplan / concept plan for the entire site; which provides appropriate links to the permitted Higher Trewhiddle Farm scheme. 3.4.22 STA-M2: Edgcumbe 3.4.23 Edgcumbe should deliver approximately 25 dwellings and 1,000sqm of B1 office space and highways infrastructure. 3.4.24 The built development should provide a high quality frontage onto the A390 3.4.25 The site is the preferred location for the access on to the A390 for the ‘Trewhiddle Link Road’, unless already delivered through the permitted Higher Trewhiddle Farm scheme (PA14/12161). The road should be constructed to a sufficient capacity so that it can act as a local distributor road for traffic seeking to bypass the double mini roundabout at Pentewan Rd / Trevanion Rd. 3.4.26 Furthermore, the site must support the delivery of the Edgcumbe Triangle junction improvements. 3.4.27 Planning permission for the development of only part of the site will not be granted, unless it is in accordance with a masterplan / concept plan for the entire site, which also accords with the adjacent permitted Higher Trewhiddle Farm scheme.

Resisdential street, St Austell

20 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Housing Strategy

STA-M2: Edgcumbe 3.4.28 Edgcumbe should deliver approximately 25 dwellings and 1,000sqm of B1 office space and highways infrastructure. 3.4.29 The built development should provide a high quality frontage onto the A390 3.4.30 The site is the preferred location for the access on to the A390 for the ‘Trewhiddle Link Road’, unless already delivered through the permitted Higher Trewhiddle Farm scheme (PA14/12161). The road should be constructed to a sufficient capacity so that it can act as a local distributor road for traffic seeking to bypass the double mini roundabout at Pentewan Rd / Trevanion Rd. 3.4.31 Furthermore, the site must support the delivery of the Edgcumbe Triangle junction improvements. 3.4.32 Planning permission for the development of only part of the site will not be granted, unless it is in accordance with a masterplan / concept plan for the entire site, which also accords with the adjacent permitted Higher Trewhiddle Farm scheme.

Chandlers Walk

21 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure

4. Infrastructure 4.1. Introduction 4.1.1 When planning for the long term regeneration, growth and change within the St Austell area, it is vital that new development is planned alongside the appropriate infrastructure. The capacity, quality and accessibility of services and facilities are all key components in ensuring people can enjoy living, working and visiting the area. The Local Member Steering Group has raised an aspiration that existing infrastructure weaknesses be addressed alongside proposed development. 4.1.2 The information gathered is based on the provision of an additional 2,900 new dwellings up to 2030. This level of growth, together with the nature of the age groups that it will affect, has been considered to assess potential impacts. The Council has also been working closely with service providers to identify the impact that development would have on the area. When reviewing the demand for new / improved infrastructure, consideration has been given to both the demand generated from within the town, as well as from the Eco-communities proposals. 4.1.3 The results of the work with the infrastructure providers is summarised below. In addition, further information can be accessed from the St Austell Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which is available on the Cornwall Council website. Education 4.1.4 Primary - St Austell is served by 7 primary schools which have the combined capacity to accommodate 2,500 pupils. Most of the schools are at or over capacity. It is anticipated that by 2030, when factoring in the proposed housing growth, there will be a deficit of approximately 500 places. To accommodate the future growth, Sandy Hill School will be expanded; plus a new school will be developed at the West Carclaze Eco-Community site (ECO-M1), which would be within easy access of families in the north of the town. If further capacity is still required, Pondhu School will be expanded. 4.1.5 Secondary – There are three schools within or on the edge of St Austell, with the capacity to accommodate 3000 students. By 2017 it is anticipated that the three schools could accommodate approximately an additional 175 students; although this includes Penrice which is over capacity. When factoring in the impact of development from both the urban area and its hinterland, including the Eco-communities proposals, it is estimated that there will be a combined deficit of approximately 670 places by the end of the Plan period. The additional capacity will be provided through the expansion of Poltair and Penrice Schools, with a greater focus on Poltair, with it being better located to some of the larger development proposals. These expansions can be undertaken within the confines of their current sites.

Healthcare 4.1.6 St Austell Healthcare which is owned and run by its partners has four health care sites in the town; Carlyon Road Health Hub; Woodland Road; Park Medical Centre and Wheal Northey. 4.1.7 The GP surgeries cater for just over 32,000 residents within the town (approx. 80%) and its hinterland; however three of the five surgeries are considered undersized for their patient lists, based upon the Premises Size Guidance3. When incorporating the proposed growth for St Austell, together with the Eco-communities allocations (set within the Cornwall

3 Premises Size Guidance prepared by NHS England 22 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure

LP:SP document), it is estimated that there is a need for approximately 1,100sqm of additional space, of which the proposed housing growth accounts for approximately 700sqm of this additional requirement. Furthermore, the proposed growth is estimated to generate demand for up to 5 additional FTE GPs, assuming the current GPs are operating at capacity. 4.1.8 A new health centre is proposed at the West Carclaze Eco-community (ECO-M1), which will address the deficiencies; in doing so providing easy access to this new community, as well as residents in the north of St Austell. At the time of writing discussions were also ongoing towards provision of a new surgery at Polkyth within the town. 4.1.9 In addition, the Health and Care system is looking at new ways of delivering care, with a shared ambition to achieve integration of provision across health, social care and the voluntary/community sector. The aim is to support people living well within the community and to reduce the need for A&E attendance and hospital admissions. It is expected that Primary Care will sit at the heart of this new way of working. Groups of GP Practices (known as Locality Groups) are working with health, social care and voluntary sector partners to lead the development of solutions, appropriate for their local population. This work is being managed within 10 Localities across Cornwall. St Austell sits within the Mid Cornwall Locality, together with Fowey, Mevagissey and Padstow. To date the Locality has focused on unplanned care services; which has included providing an urgent care service at St Austell Community Hospital (commenced in December 2014). Utilities 4.1.10 Water - The St Austell, Par Docks and West Carclaze development proposals will be serviced by the Par and Menagwins Sewage Treatment Works. It is recognised that both treatment works will need to be upgraded in the medium term to deal with the proposed growth from the town and eco-community sites. South West Water has indicated that they would seek to upgrade the works at Menagwins from 2017 onwards; whilst an upgrade at Luxulyan works will be included within their next capital programme for delivery from 2020 onward. South West Water also anticipates that some reinforcement work to the sewers will be required to support the Eco-community sites. 4.1.11 Electricity – Western Power Distribution (WPD) has indicated that the level of growth proposed for St Austell and its hinterland, including the Eco-community sites, is likely to require an upgrade to the area’s primary substation. Cornwall Council will continue to work with WPD to ensure these upgrades are implemented at the appropriate time. 4.1.12 Drainage – There is a requirement for developers to implement sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs), to ensure development does not exacerbate flooding issues, whilst in some instances reducing the risk of flooding further downstream. The delivery of these systems will also help create capacity in the foul system. At the time of writing a project called St Austell Regeneration and Resilience Project (STARR) was assessing strategic flood attenuation schemes predominantly focussing on Par but also on the Sandy River within St Austell. Development proposals within this area should consider the opportunities relating to the implementation of this project. Leisure Facilities 4.1.13 St Austell is not currently identified as an area that has issues with access to most leisure services. The Polkyth Leisure Centre is centrally located near the train station, and includes an indoor swimming pool. The centre is likely to need investment during the plan period. Other sports clubs and pitches are distributed evenly around the town. There is an identified shortage of open space/ facilities for teenagers across the town.

23 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure

Transportation 4.1.14 St Austell’s Transport Strategy sits within the context of Cornwall Council’s overarching transport strategy, Connecting Cornwall. 4.1.15 St Austell has key commuter links with Bodmin, Truro and St Blazey/Par and in line with the Cornwall wide trend a high proportion of trips into and out of St Austell is undertaken by car. Inbound traffic has increased by 11% between 2001 and 2011 and outbound traffic 27% illustrating there is a high level of out-commuting. 4.1.16 St Austell benefits from a main line rail station located in the centre of the town and will benefit from half hourly rail service frequency improvements in late 2018 as a result of investment in mainline signalling. St Austell is also fairly well served by bus with frequent services to Truro and Bodmin. However, the town has a constrained local road network which already experiences congestion during peak hours, particularly at major junctions along the A390 and this is exacerbated during the holidays. This congestion is responsible for concerns over air quality in the town and as a result the town has been declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). 4.1.17 Proposed development in both St Austell and at West Carclaze will add traffic on the local highway network and as a result a number of junction and highway upgrades will be required in order to manage congestion; however opportunities within the town are limited by physical constraints e.g. lack of available land to deliver schemes, particularly relating to the A390. Therefore, a traffic management scheme for the heavily congested A390 Holmbush corridor is programmed for delivery in the next couple of years. This will link signalling, helping to manage the route in the most efficient way and will help to address the air quality issue. 4.1.18 There are also two new roads proposed within and on the outskirts of the town: • Trewhiddle Link Road; and • A30 Link Road

4.1.19 The Trewhiddle Link Road is a scheme that will deliver a new route between Pentewan Road and the A390; creating an alternative route that avoids the constrained Pentewan Road/Penwinnick Road junction. The route will be delivered through the development of the permitted Higher Trewhiddle Farm scheme (PA14/12161) and the Pentewan site (STA-M1). The access on to the A390 could be through the permitted Higher Trewhiddle Farm site; or preferably through the Edgcumbe allocation (STA-M2), which would then link with proposals to upgrade the existing ‘Edgcumbe Triangle’ junction. 4.1.20 The A30 Link Road will deliver a new vehicular route from St Austell to the A30, providing a new corridor to the strategic road network, which will unlock the ability to deliver the proposed growth, particularly the West Carclaze Eco-community. Furthermore, the scheme will increase the commercial attractiveness of the town, as well as address congestion issues within the surrounding villages, particularly Roche and Bugle. 4.1.21 The proposed West Carclaze development will need to mitigate the impacts of its traffic by providing upgrades to 3 junctions on the A391 adjacent to the site (these can be seen in Eco-Community section of the Cornwall Allocations Document. The development will also need to support necessary improvements to highway infrastructure within the town on which it will have impact. This includes the A390 Holmbush corridor, Tregonissey and Polkyth Road signals. 4.1.22 Whilst there are various highway projects proposed, in order to get the most out of the existing transport network, measures to promote greater use of sustainable transport are vital to reduce congestion. Therefore a key aim is to build on and enhance the existing public transport services, provide improved infrastructure such as Real Time Passenger 24 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure

Information (RTPI) at bus stops, develop a comprehensive walking and cycling network and ensure greater integration of all transport modes so that a more efficient and convenient network is provided within the town. 4.1.23 The strategic transport measures proposed for the town are summarised within Table 3 below:

St Austell Transport Projects Scheme type Scheme Comment Trewhiddle A link road leading from the A390 to a new Farm Link Road junction on the B3273 Pentewan Road, providing relief for the A390 Pentewan Road junction A30 to St Creating a new route from the north of St Austell Highway Austell Link to the A30, which will enable growth, particularly improvements Road economic growth and address congestion in surrounding villages Holmbush Height of bridge restricts use for largest HGVs, Bridge which has re-routing implications around the town. Investigate opportunities to address issue A3058 Consists of 3 junctions, where traffic from Edgcumbe the A3058, A390 and B3274 converges. A road/Truro road realignment of this junction will provide some triangle relief from congestion A390/B3273 A wider improvement to the A390 Penwinnick Pentewan road/ Road / B3273 Pentewan Road junction to South Street maximise operational capacity and safety at this roundabout location with conversion of existing double mini- junction roundabouts to a larger single roundabout. Slades road/ Review options for junction improvement which Sandy Hill could include a possible conversion from signals Junction double mini to mini roundabout junction to the Slades Road improvements/ roundabout / Sandy Hill junction to maximise capacity and traffic junction safety at this location. management A390 Holmbush A traffic control system along the A390 corridor corridor Urban between the A391 junction and Porthpean Traffic Control Road junctions comprising signal upgrades and scheme system improvements which will encompass new junctions as they come on stream. This should include a revised layout to Porthpean junction. This scheme will facilitate an improvement in traffic flow along the strategic A390 route and improve air quality due to reduced queuing times. Furthermore, the Britainnia Junction should be investigated to determine whether further capacity needs to be created at this location, to support the wider project for the A390 corridor. Tregonissey To deliver junction and network improvements Road/ Slades in the northern area of St Austell – to include Road signals Tregonissey signals, Scredda Roundabout and surrounding residential roads Truro Road/ Possible modifications to existing signals Bridge Road/ to improve provision for right turners and Gover Road throughput of junction

25 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure

Scheme type Scheme Comment Service Planned signalling improvements on the mainline improvements will enable a half hourly service from St Austell to Exeter in 2018. This will be complemented by improved rolling stock. Rail station improvements Rail St Austell rail station has recently seen improvements completion of access improvements comprising a lift bridge funded through the Department for Transport’s Access for All funding pot. These improvements will be supported through better signage to the station with enhanced walking and cycling links. Bus The One Public Transport System for Cornwall infrastructure (OPTSC) project will deliver a high quality, accessible and integrated public transport network for Cornwall by December 2018. Work Bus service is underway to identify improvements to bus improvements services, infrastructure, information, ticketing and branding that will significantly improving Bus the offering to both existing passengers and improvements non-users to improve the appeal of public transport, driving up patronage on bus and rail, making the network more financially viable. The improvements to bus and rail integration will be implemented to tie in with the delivery of a new rail timetable which provides 2 trains per hour on the mainline in Cornwall in December 2018. Town wide A town wide pedestrian and cycle network has cycle network been drawn up. This consists of new cycle way and footpath provision and improvements to the existing routes with crossing points and parking Walking/cycling facilities which will link new housing developments network to key attractors including employment retail and education. The network will be delivered in phases, prioritised by opportunities to connect residential and employment sites; demand; and safety.

Table 2: St Austell Transport Projects

4.1.24 The sustainable transport measures set out in the preceding table will not only help address highway impacts and offer alternatives to the car, but it will also positively contribute to the future management of air quality within the town. 4.1.25 The improvements set out above set out the strategic measures to address the proposed growth; however developers will still be expected to prepare the appropriate transport assessments to accompany their applications, which might identify further localised measures to address impacts resulting from their development. 26 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure e e y o w o e F t ell ou t oad ostwithiel h L t y a idor dr e ly r a us t w r . y a r T P Beach A390 Redmoor y a r y due t P Docks r o r er Lanliver , which a t A P alley y V ey z k y a l orld Heritage Site) Heritage orld B uxulyan W

L ( t on Ba y S l a r C St Austell Ba t o r ticula r ojec cial uxulyan r Eden L P ic A390 r n thpean R A30 w om S ommuni t orld Heritage Site) Heritage orld Ch a r l es t ow W wn. ( o c ke n gate o deli v L e g c o r ethurgy r - o A391 een the A391 T withick e n l P e f r o y t us te l w A nals along the A390

A391 t e air quali t c S l Bugle v thew Stenalees r omme r thow e a e C r T wth, pa r ou t , which will facilit a o oad ne t e E o olmbush Road oria t n i c r A390 V viding a new c ewoon Roche r T B3274 St Mewa i t ed queuing time s o ic r pool P cla z tion s tion and P Black Lanjet h idor be t egoss Whitemoor Moor r T oad r xhole e g o F a r t e t e A30 St r orridor ig h a o r H edu c De n nis S t eness of the t ease the c Nanpean ehicular r jun c A390 H C links the si g c jun c along the st ra t r and imp r S t Stephen Goss Moor oombe C oposed g ti v est C W a c Indian Queens tt r o the A30, p r o the st r A30 Link r A new v t t the and inc r a will unlock the abili t the p r all w ember n o tie e c o r vides 2 t ainline ail and o bus o y D ed t or C ember 2018. t tion. ts t e c ersion eme n all b ed M v essible and v em f w c o o n s t n eme n y v o r , a c all in D tion, ticketing and o y t S easing the appeal of w n m a or C o r o r k f tion imp r , inc r and Enhan c anspo r o r oundabout jun c r onage on bus and r tify imp r ts , in f T w t r e tion ail timetable which p r or jun c tu r andy hill double mini t ne ublic eme n ra tion will be impleme n o ide n er a high quali t o mini r v e up p a o y t e g t a i v astru c out jun c w oad/ S

nals t anspo r ould include a possible c y i n mp r y of a new r r o d r , inf r he One P t I e r e r t t will deli v ea of o r om si g lades r eview options f ounda b f r which c S r R es – T oje c n a r k is unde r ehicle s ans p tion and anspo r o r r vi c ail and f ed public t r , v ) p r T the r W , r e r e s ra t S C vi c e g t ains per hour on the mainline in C or jun c ail S ublic xisting passengers and non-user s o bu s OP T 2018. se r i n ( P e public t r t in with the deli v t r R lades Road signals ts in no r eme n v o y Road/ S eview options f . k imp r o r el l

o r y us t w egoniss e t r tudy t t A T S ne t S yles ing healt h onme n es t ting and enhancing a g vi r e li f ou r ti v espe c R the e n En c a c es 0 ti v

0 y all obje c e change onomic t y w y 2 y tuni t or n i t ting equali t ting e c g ling clim a ospe r ac k e Suppo r of oppo r T Suppo r p r ting C tion t tional a a r onne c oundabouts C t tion with . t S r o maximise ope r o winnick Road jun c t t this loc a p e n y a oundabou t s e t eme n xisting double mini- r v n o oad/ P a r y and sa f ger single r ew an r ersion of e t T v e n o n o a la r P A wider imp r capaci t c t or k: er Rd r v o vision f o o oughput of w e p r v o e m ners and th r o imp r a o Rd/ Bridge G tion. t tu r r nals t u r r ig h T si g r jun c n F k t o r w . w , , o omotion yme n oa d St Austell Transport Strategy Map k s incipal o the tion ough o r ongestion nag e tion will w cling ne t l T e y ess t l , empl o c e om c t si , additional er si g ing and p r t r oad th r e k , including eas and p r e n t cling , bet t elief f r y s ing and c xisting ne t e and new link r tion s riangle jun c t s t of this jun c viding a c tial a r T cle pa r cle lane s o elopme n al k o e y y u e de v A new link r nme n ed c ed w eside n t e destin a ing and C , r ell as p r vide some r ing the to wn c t A eali g ensions t o ewhiddle si t t dgcum b al k ea s ossings poi n r x as w T p r E A r S c r lin k leisu r dedic a additional c W Enhan c e a r Figure 6:

27 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure

4.2. Green Infrastructure 4.2.1 St Austell’s Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy takes a lead from the Cornwall-wide GI strategy, which seeks to provide a positive approach to the management and enhancement of the town’s network of green assets; in doing so delivering to three main principles of quality, quantity and accessibility. Green Infrastructure can cover many different areas, but the strategy focuses on four key elements: 1. Public open space - parks & play areas 2. Green Links - walking and cycling 3. Flood Attenuation e.g. sustainable urban drainage 4. Biodiversity - areas of habitat and corridors

4.2.2 The overriding principle of the strategy is to deliver a range of integrated green infrastructure functions. This will ensure increased usage, easier and cheaper maintenance, and better use of valuable land assets. As a result whilst the strategy is articulated within each of the 4 elements, successful delivery will be through their integration. 4.2.3 The highlighting of potential green networks provides an indication of strategic green infrastructure, but does not remove the requirement to retain and enhance smaller important natural features & green corridors within development sites, which should link to major green infrastructure routes areas wherever possible. 4.2.4 Maintaining the separate identities of surrounding communities represents an important component of the GI strategy. A green buffer is identified on the western edge of St Austell, to protect the setting of Trewoon. A buffer is also shown surrounding Charlestown, to protect the setting of the settlement and its World Heritage Site designation. A further linear buffer is identified on the eastern edge of St Austell, along the A391 corridor, as this represents a logical boundary to the town; an important biodiversity corridor; plus parts offers amenity value to residents. Biodiversity 4.2.5 The protection and enhancements, where possible, of biodiversity opportunities is a key principle of good green infrastructure. Assets such as the Tregrehan Woods, Trethurgy and Garker Valley and Burngullow Common and Gover Moor Shaded walk along the White River provide high ecological value. In addition to these, the Sandy Valley and railway line provide valuable green linkages through the town itself. Any development should give careful and appropriate consideration of these assets in order to maintain and enhance the opportunities for biodiversity for the towns and their immediate surroundings.

28 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure

4.2.6 Links out into the surrounding area should be enhanced where possible. These include links to Burngullow Common & Gover Valley, Carbis Moor, Trethurgy & Garkar Valley, Tregrehan Woods and Cuddra Plantation. 4.2.7 The key habitat corridor identified on the accompanying map has been designed to connect and enhance green links through the town, plus link to the key north south and east west key habitat corridors. The public open space and public right of way networks on the map should also be utilised as green corridors, providing linkage between the urban area and the surrounding countryside. Green Links 4.2.8 In line with the Transportation Strategy, the maintenance, upgrade and expansion of the area’s green links (i.e. pedestrian and cycle links) forms an important part of the overall strategy for the area. As well as the benefits relating to reducing congestion, an improved network will provide an important recreational resource, plus will support the wider objectives relating to enhancing tourism opportunities. Some principles of an improved network are depicted on the GI Strategy map (figure 7). Flood Attenuation - Sustainable Urban Drainage 4.2.9 Developments are expected to utilise sustainable urban Drainage systems, to ensure there are no adverse impacts on or off-site. Where measures are being implemented it would be desirable to link them with wider biodiversity and open space measures, where appropriate. This will support the principle of delivering fewer, larger open spaces, which perform multiple roles. Pubic Open Space 4.2.10 Standards have been adopted for six different essential types of open space, based upon an assessment of existing provision. The Open Space Strategy for Larger Towns in Cornwall July 2014 indicated the following in St Austell, Duporth, Charlestown & Carlyon Bay: 4.2.11 3% lower than average level of formal open space (typ1). The third lowest of the 16 areas studied. 4.2.12 A good level of natural open space (2) – 7% over the median, the majority of which is coastal, although it should be noted that the coast is not easily accessed on foot by people living in much of St Austell. 4.2.13 Higher (14%) than average level of children’s play (4). Investment has benefited a number of sites in recent years; however several have little remaining play value and may benefit from some rationalisation 4.2.14 Low level of provision for teenagers (5). 29% below average. 4.2.15 Low level of allotment provision (6). 43% below average, but assessment suggests additional capacity at the private site on Sawles Road. 4.2.16 Higher than average level of private sports space (8), the majority of which is golfing in nature. However thelower than average level of public sports provision (3), when combined with ample private sports (excluding golf & other non-pitch sports), results in a 0.65ha latent demand in sports pitches. The quantity has the potential to meet existing, but requires that all of the school pitches are available for community sports use. 4.2.17 The draft Cornwall Sports Pitch Strategy predicts a shortfall in adult & junior football, rugby and cricket pitches at some time during the playing week in the St Austell network area. 4.2.18 Table 3 sets out the level of open space that is required from new development.

29 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure

St Austell’s Open Space Requirement Minimum new Equivalent space (per additional dwelling) off-site contribution (sqmper dwelling) Parks & Gardens 20.21 0 Natural & Semi-natural spaces 35.66 0 Formal Sports Pitches 26.77 0 Children’s Play Spaces 1.60 0 Teenagers’ equipped spaces 0.56 0 Allotments 2.22 0 TOTAL 87.02 0 Table 3: St Austell’s Open Space Requirement

Sun dial in High Cross Gardens

4.2.19 The Open Space Strategy for Larger Towns In Cornwall – July 2014 recommended that the following open spaces are prioritised for additional investment (subject to review): Alexandra Road Cemetery (GI); Boscoppa/Bethel Park; Carlyon Bay; Linear Park; Mount Charles Recreation Ground (Woodland Road); Poltair Park; Regatta Field, Charlestown; The Meadows. 4.2.20 For more information on the open space standards, including design requirements, the minimum size of new open spaces sought and the cost of delivering the open space, refer to the Open Space Strategy for Larger Towns In Cornwall – July 2014. 4.2.21 It would be expected that appropriate arrangements, including financial, are put in place to ensure any newly created green infrastructure can be appropriately maintained.

30 St Austell and Surrounding Parishes Town Framework: March 2017 Infrastructure St Austell Green Infrastructure Strategy Figure 7:

31 If you would like this information in another format please contact:

Cornwall Council County Hall Treyew Road Truro TR1 3AY

Telephone: 0300 1234 100 Email: [email protected] www.cornwall.gov.uk