Cornwall’s increased government-imposed housing targets of 4,421 homes per year have triggered a wave of planning applications, with Bodmin and Wadebridge set to gain over 4,000 new homes between them
Claire Elliott and Cornwall Live readers
06:00, 09 Dec 2025
How part of a proposed development for 550 new homes near Wadebridge could look(Image: Persimmon)
CornwallLive readers are unhappy to hear that two neighbouring Cornish towns are set to gain at least 4,000 new homes as planning approvals and pending applications continue to mount.
Under the Government’s updated National Planning Policy Framework, Cornwall Council must now plan for 4,421 homes a year, up from 2,707 previously. This has triggered a review of the Local Plan, as older strategies no longer meet current housing requirements.
Bodmin and Wadebridge are seeing the largest influx of proposals. Wadebridge alone could see 2,712 new homes, while Bodmin has 1,336 planned or awaiting approval.
Work could begin soon on a major Bodmin development of 527 homes, with 132 designated as affordable, split evenly between rent and shared ownership. Earlier this year, Devonshire Homes submitted plans for the massive Callywith Urban Village development, including 680 homes, public open space, infrastructure, and mixed commercial units.
Cornwall Council has also sought permission for a 71-apartment extra care development near Bodmin Beacon, aimed at meeting housing needs for the county’s ageing population. Some local residents have raised concerns about the site’s suitability, citing potential flooding, traffic, and environmental impacts.
In Wadebridge, Camel Creek Limited (in Administration) has applied for an Environmental Impact Assessment for up to 1,500 homes next to Camel Creek Adventure Park, along with a village centre, primary school, leisure facilities, small commercial units, and public open space across 68 hectares.
Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West also filed plans last month for 550 homes on the outskirts of Wadebridge, with additional proposals continuing elsewhere across the county, a list can be found here.
Commenter Johnboy599 is in favour: “I mean there is a dire need of housing, with thousands on waiting lists, it’s not sporadic development, it’s attached to existing towns.”
Tammers thinks: “We need to have the necessary infrastructure in place before any more houses are built.”
Thehollies88 agrees: “Our infrastructure is crumbling, and how will people access dentists or GP appointments with overcrowded schools? It’s worrying for RCHT, reportedly on the verge of a total service breakdown. The future looks grim, with concrete jungles consuming scarce land and adding to pollution.”
RobAD says: “At last Cornwall to be swamped with affordable housing, gives young people hope.”
Colinfromcornwall replies: “Affordable housing? Affordable to whom? Certainly not for the average, low paid, many seasonal, part time workers that deprived Cornwall has to offer, especially for those in the hospitality sector. A significant number of workers are struggling to survive despite being employed in this sector. The majority of any new builds will end up as homes for the rest of the UK’s retirees. Perhaps not a bad thing, however not good for Cornwall struggling with the numbers in health and care service. I am not sure how new builds are going to help the young having jobs in Cornwall?”
Suttc is unhappy: “More concrete covering Cornwall. What are our young children going to have when they become adults – just more concrete.”
Lloyd Edwards agrees: “Arable land when lost, is lost forever. Who’s considering the next generation’s food basket?”
Les Jury believes: “These are all for people from up North, Cornwall is turning into little England, all being squeezed out of their cities and coming down here.”
Richard Tucker adds: “Why is it that every time we hear of new housing plans they are put on green field sites? Where are the people who are going to buy these houses? The schools can’t take any more students and we don’t have enough doctors. Before long our county will be part of Plymouth.”
Patricia Lumsden agrees: “No, no enough is enough!”
What do you think about all these new homes coming to Bodmin and Wadebridge? Will they help the housing crisis, or is Cornwall losing too much of its character? Share your thoughts below.
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