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Viscount Falmouth's Tregothnan Estate has responded to growing concerns in a Cornish village about the possibility that a housing estate could be built on a historic site. Playing Place residents have begged the lord not to sell a field for a mooted development of up to 70 homes.
Legacy Properties is aiming to submit a planning application in late 2025/early 2026 for the development of land owned by the Tregothnan Estate off Old Coach Road in the village near Truro. The field contains the remains of a plain-an-gwarry - a medieval amphitheatre which gives the village its name - and an Iron Age settlement.
Playing Place Action Group, which was formed as a result of the proposal, wrote to the estate saying: "The plans for 70 new homes may help meet Cornwall's housing quota, but this site raises serious concerns for our village. This beautiful green agricultural field contains two scheduled ancient monuments, including a rare plain-an-gwarry.
"These medieval amphitheatres were once central to Cornish life, used for plays, gatherings and community events. They are part of our unique cultural identity - and once destroyed, they are lost forever. The symbolism of allowing this field to be erased surely cannot escape you.
"Playing Place already struggles with narrow, congested roads and dozens more cars will only increase the risks to children, residents and drivers. Parts of the land are also known to be vulnerable to flooding, raising further doubts about its suitability for housing."
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The estate has now issued a statement concerning its plans. It says: "Given Cornwall's continuing need for additional housing, the Tregothnan Estate, has been reviewing potential sites for development for many years. To understand whether the field at Playing Place (which is already developed on two of its three sides) might be suitable, an archaeologist was appointed in early 2018 to assess the possible impact on two Scheduled Ancient Monuments - Iron Age Rounds and a ring feature - all of which are currently buried.
"The archaeologist commissioned geophysical surveys of the field using ground penetrating radar. The results showed that the Northern Ancient Round was present but that the Southern Round no longer existed. The detailed 18-page archaeological report and survey data was shared with Historic England's inspector of ancient monuments and it was agreed that careful development was possible without causing damage to the site.
"The estate identified an appropriate local developer, Legacy Properties, and asked them to come up with a plan for sustainable development, respecting the site's history, heritage and cultural identity while allowing public access to the site of these ancient monuments (which is not possible at present). There is no current planning application, nor has a layout or design been completed.
"Discussions have been held with Kea Parish Council and Cornwall Council's statutory consultees and council members. Public consultation has taken place to discuss what the development might look like and to seek the local community's input. This event was well attended and the feedback was generally positive."
The statement added: "The estate is aware that a group calling themselves the Playing Place Action Group has said that they have written to the estate and as soon as that communication is received, it will be answered."