Housing Development

St Austell

Location: Former Post Office, St Austell, Cornwall

24 New Homes

Following a review of recently granted planning permissions in 2022, Ercle proactively approached the site owner to discuss the untapped potential of their land. While the owner had successfully secured Class MA permitted development rights to convert the front building into nine apartments, the architectural and commercial possibilities for the rear of the site had not yet been explored.

Cornwall Council had earmarked the rear of the site for development within the St Austell Town Plan. However, the council's proposed scheme was commercially unviable and undeliverable. Ercle successfully demonstrated the limitations of the council's plan, proving that a fresh, realistic approach was required. In its place, Ercle developed a high-quality scheme for 24 new apartments positioned to the rear of the host building, carefully designing the proposal to successfully overcome complex local heritage concerns.

Adding significant commercial value to the project, Ercle also led negotiations regarding the Section 106 agreement with the local authority, successfully managing to remove all financial contributions for the development. The site is currently in the process of being sold, and Ercle hopes to commence works on-site with the new owner at the beginning of 2027.