The Prince of Wales, William, has taken a significant step towards mitigating homelessness by committing £3 million to the development of a social housing project on his Duchy of Cornwall property, as reported by The Times.
The initiative, set to unfold in Nansledan aims to construct 24 homes by next year, offering a blend of four-bedroom houses and one-bedroom flats. This project aligns with William’s commitment, shared in a prior interview, to leverage his duchy land for social housing.
For this endeavour, the duchy will not only provide the land without charge but will also bear all construction expenses, along with investing in essential local infrastructure enhancements such as bus routes and utility connections.
Emphasising sustainability, the development will feature eco-friendly technologies like solar panels and heat pumps, and will embody the quaint aesthetics of traditional Cornish seaside homes. This project is part of a broader vision to normalise social housing, making it as welcoming and homely as possible.
In collaboration with St Petrocs, a Cornish charity focused on homelessness, the initiative extends beyond housing to offer comprehensive support services. This includes mental health support, counselling, and aid in securing employment.
Furthering his commitment, William has pledged to exceed the national affordable housing provision by increasing it to 40% in future developments, translating to 200 additional affordable homes in Nansledan. This move is a counteraction to the prevailing preference for affordable rented housing over social housing, aiming to provide more accessible housing options tied to local income levels.
Last year, William launched Homewards, a five-year plan funded by the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, aiming to eradicate homelessness across the UK. The success of the Nansledan project is hoped to serve as a model for similar initiatives nationwide.
Amid rising housing challenges in Cornwall, exacerbated by the pandemic and the surge in “staycation” tourism, this project is a timely intervention in an area where the social housing waiting list has nearly doubled since before the pandemic.
