Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of Pen Bethan development near Falmouth

The Pen Bethan development near Falmouth has celebrated a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony marking the official start of construction of 133 new homes, with the Show Home anticipated to launch in Autumn 2024.

Situated on land in Budock, just two miles from the beach, this new community being built by local developer, Barratt Homes Exeter, promises to offer an exceptional living experience with a strong focus on sustainability and community integration.

The event on Friday 24th May brought together key members of the Barratt Homes project team and representatives from Cornwall Council and Budock Parish Council to place shovels in the ground for the first time.

Pen Bethan will comprise 86 private homes and 47 affordable homes, representing 35% of the development. The homes will range in styles, including 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom options, catering to a variety of family sizes and preferences. Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter is dedicated to delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes that foster strong and thriving communities.

One of the key features of Pen Bethan is the inclusion of 2.2 acres of publicly accessible open space, which will be located at the front of the development. This open space will be available by the time the first families move in, providing a vital communal area for residents to meet and engage. Additionally, a play area will be created to further enhance community interaction.

Pen Bethan is designed with a strong environmental focus. Key sustainability features include the installation of bat and bird boxes for each home; designation of 1.4 acres of biodiversity areas; planting of over 100 new trees, including an orchard area; planting of more than 5,900 new sapling hedgerows; implementation of bee-friendly planting across the development; creation of hedgehog highways to support local wildlife; installation of electric car charging points and solar PV panels on all homes; and use of timber-framed construction for homes to reduce environmental impact.

Pen Bethan will contribute a total of £570,019 in Section 106 allocations, supporting local education, transport, NHS services, and biodiversity initiatives. This investment underscores Barratt David Wilson Homes’ commitment to enriching the local area and supporting essential community services.

Andrew Spicer, Managing Director of Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter, said, "We are thrilled to break ground at Pen Bethan, which represents our commitment to building high-quality, sustainable homes that cater to the needs of the Falmouth community. This project not only provides much-needed housing but also demonstrates our dedication to environmental responsibility and community wellbeing."

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are currently building much-needed new homes for Cornwall at Treledan in Saltash and Pen Bethan in Falmouth. Wherever you are in your new home journey, Barratt Homes is here to support you and offers a range of schemes including Part Exchange Guarantee and the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme.