Communities Secretary the Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP has visited the Duchy of Cornwall’s Nansledan development in Newquay to learn more about how it is helping to create a thriving community.

The Secretary of State was given a tour of the mixed-use site that will eventually comprise around 4,000 homes together with shops, offices, workshops, green spaces and a range of community facilities.

Nansledan is being built in accordance with the architectural and urban design principles advocated by The Prince of Wales and has evolved from engagement and discussion with local people.

The Communities Secretary, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, said: “We are working to create homes, opportunities and thriving communities and Nansledan is a great example of a new development that has been designed to meet local needs, with the support of local people.

“I was pleased to see the importance the Duchy has placed on working with people to build beautiful properties that enhance the area. This is a properly inclusive development, with plans for at least 30 per cent affordable homes.”

Thirty percent of the new homes at Nansledan are affordable housing for rent, shared ownership or discounted sale to people on the local housing list. And the Duchy makes a point of sourcing materials as locally as possible, including the use of Cornish slate, granite and stone.

Mr Brokenshire was shown around Nansledan and its sister development Tregunnel Hill by the Duchy of Cornwall’s Estate Director, Ben Murphy. He explained how facilities like shops, offices and a new primary school are being provided early on in Nansledan to foster a cohesive community.

He said: “Less than 10% of the new homes at Nansledan have been built so far but we have already attracted six local businesses to the shops and offices we have provided and this autumn we will open a brand new primary school that will cater for 420 children.

“We were delighted to show the Secretary of State how development can be inclusive and a positive force to deliver new homes, jobs and growth, without compromising on quality.” Construction of Nansledan began in 2014. It is being built on Duchy-owned land by a consortium of South West building companies including Wainhomes, CG Fry & Son and Morrish Builders.