Persimmon Homes' Cornwall & West Devon region has lodged an outline planning application for up to 325 homes in St Austell.

If approved, the outline consent would establish the principle of development and allow more detailed, reserved matters applications to follow.

The housebuilder says it undertook extensive engagement with local communities before submitting the plans, working with Cornwall Council, its Design Review Panel and members of its planning committees, as well as consultees, the Town Council and through a public consultation.

The scheme, proposed at Gewan's Farm, would see 25% of the homes transferred to a local housing association. Persimmon says this would help reduce a housing waiting list of more than 25,000 households in Cornwall, described as one of Britain's longest. The company adds that approval would unlock millions of pounds of investment in local infrastructure.

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Environmental measures include retaining and planting trees and hedgerows, a sustainable drainage system and wildlife corridors, aiming for a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain. The plans also target 15% canopy cover and propose a community orchard.

A significant portion of the site would be set aside for high-quality green infrastructure, including areas for ecological enhancement, separate central and country parks, teenage provision, and equipped, natural and accessible play spaces.

Connectivity proposals would link the development to the existing public right of way network, a nearby supermarket, the town centre and local allotments, alongside new cycleways to encourage active travel and integrate the scheme with surrounding amenities.

The submission follows another Persimmon application for up to 300 homes in Saltash. The developer is also currently building in Bodmin, Falmouth, Helston and Newquay.

Andy Hill, Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon managing director, said: "We're very pleased to be bring forward this outline application to bring 325 new homes to St Austell, meeting a variety of housing with an ambitious vision that has nature at its heart."

"Persimmon has taken great care to ensure that the scheme would slot in nicely with existing development and travel connections, ensuring this feels like a garden village in St Austell."

"We will continue to work closely with a number of authorities and stakeholders so we can get planning consent and invest millions of pounds in the local infrastructure to the benefit of our potential customers and existing residents alike."