There are plans to redevelop part of a Penryn car park and build pods for homeless people.

Cornwall Council has submitted an application to build 6 x 1 bedroom modular construction units in a section of Commercial Road car park to provide short to medium-term move-on accommodation.

The council has bought 29 ready-made 'Solohaus' pods which are immediately available to be deployed to site which are being stored at Newquay Airport. Once connected to foundation pads and services the pods are fully equipped and are literally ready for someone to move into.

With the site at Commercial Road, Penryn being under capacity and in Council ownership this presents a potential solution to the current housing crisis.

The idea is that the pods are not a 1st stage 'emergency' response to a person presenting as homeless (for example a hostel, a B&B or HMO with shared facilities) but are the next 'stage 2' when that person has had some help to 'move-on' to a more sustainable housing solution.

They will provide ideal, self-contained but manageable, single occupancy homes for people that are ready to move on to the second stage in the journey out of rough sleeping.

The intention is for residents to consider the properties as their homes (for the medium term), before moving to permanent, fully independent housing in time.

Facilities include an open plan lounge – kitchen – diner, storage, and utility cupboard, a fairly spacious shower room, and WC, and a single bedroom with a full-height window and further storage. Finishes are robust but stylish. All furniture, fittings, and equipment are provided, and the pods are delivered to the site ready to move into.

The applicant comments:

"Overall the scheme's design is considered to be of high quality; one which does not give the impression of an urgent housing response; and one which will enhance the current appearance of the site and make a positive contribution to the current character and appearance of the immediate area which is currently a surface car park with no character."

The current status of the application is "awaiting decision".

Click here to see the plans for yourself.

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