New Specialist Bungalows Welcome First Residents in St Agnes

A new housing initiative in St Agnes has provided modern, specialist bungalows for local residents over the age of 55, allowing them to remain in their community while receiving the necessary support as they age.

The development, named Saffron Gardens, is located within the grounds of the Cornwall Housing-supported living scheme at White’s Close. Designed to help older residents live independently while having access to care as needed, the properties are part of a wider effort by Cornwall Council to provide suitable housing for local people.

Among the first to move in was Ann Jones, who had previously lived in sheltered accommodation nearby. Ann praised her new home for its spacious and modern design, expressing gratitude for the independence it offers while still providing the security of available support.

“Although the sheltered accommodation I lived in before was nice, this is a big improvement for me, and I love the place,” she said. “It is very modern and spacious with some lovely finishing touches, and I am very happy here. Well done Cornwall Council.”

The bungalows, developed by Cornwall Council with funding from Homes England, include open-plan living spaces, a double bedroom, and storage areas. Constructed by Classic Builders, the energy-efficient homes feature level access, mobility scooter storage and charging facilities, and are heated by air source heat pumps. All properties are available for social rent.

Cornwall Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for housing, Olly Monk, emphasized the importance of providing housing solutions that allow older residents to stay in their communities.

“These bespoke bungalows mean that 11 local people can remain living in St Agnes, potentially freeing up larger properties for local families,” he explained. “This is a great scheme, and I look forward to seeing similar projects developed across Cornwall.”

Local stakeholders, including Cornwall councillor Pete Mitchell and St Agnes Parish Council, played a key role in shaping the project. Mitchell highlighted the challenges faced by older residents in the area, noting that high housing costs often force people to move away when they need additional support.

“One of the new residents had been sofa surfing for ages and now has a home where he can plan the rest of his life,” he said. “It has been life-changing for him.”

Paul Kimberley of St Agnes Parish Council praised the local connection condition that ensures these homes are allocated to residents from the village. “It’s extremely important that people who have lived, worked, or grown up here know they have a place to stay as they get older or if their needs change,” he stated.

Managed by Cornwall Housing, the scheme also includes a new paved footpath and cycle route to improve local connectivity, as well as enhanced landscaping and communal garden spaces.

Cornwall Council has prioritized tackling housing pressures across the region, not only by building new council homes but also by investing in various initiatives to address the growing demand for affordable housing. These include the provision of modular homes for temporary accommodation, the purchase of existing homes for social housing, and policies to ensure affordable housing is included in new developments.

With projects like Saffron Gardens, Cornwall Council continues to provide much-needed housing solutions that help residents stay close to their communities while accessing the support they need.