The recent planning application put forward by Gilbert and Goode for the proposed development of Menefreda Way has brought renewed interest in our Affordable Housing Working Group. It can be noted that the Affordable Housing Working Group did not initiate this development with Gilbert and Goode or any other party. Here is a brief note about the Affordable Housing Working Group covering some of the queries raised by parishioners during our recent parish council meetings.

The Affordable Housing Working Group was set up in October 2022, in response to a request from Lowlands Parish Council, to gain a better understanding of the need for affordable housing within St. Minver Highlands and St. Minver Lowlands parishes. Its terms of reference covered all matters concerning the provision of affordable housing in the Church Parish of St. Minver. The first meeting of this group was held in November 2022. Its members are drawn from both Parish Councils – three Councillors from Highlands and three Councillors from Lowlands. These six Councillors, the clerk, and any additional people invited for their expertise, for example Imogen Ayeko (nee Day) from Cornwall Council’s Housing Team, attended the meetings. Minutes were taken at all the meetings, and these can be viewed on our website alongside the minutes from our monthly Parish Council meetings – the minutes provide details of the dates of the meetings and who attended the meetings. There is also a section in the minutes for the monthly Parish Council meetings providing a summary of the latest Affordable Housing Working Group meeting.
It should be noted that the Affordable Housing Working Group is not able to make decisions, its powers are Advisory only – information is brought to the main monthly meetings and any decisions that may be required are made by Full Council at the monthly Parish Council meetings.