MY LATEST CORNWALL COUNCILLOR REPORT

Time period: 25th September – 25th November 2023.

1.0 Council and other meetings

Over the last two months, I have attended a range of Cornwall Council meetings. These include Cabinet and Economic Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee (which I attended to make representations about the Homechoice Review); Customers and Support Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee and two associated meetings about the refresh of Cornwall Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy; Constitution and Governance Committee; China Clay Area and Luxulyan Community Area Partnership (2); meetings with the link officer for the CAP (2); a training day for elected members; and a meeting about highway matters with the local Cormac officer.

I have attended a range of online meetings via Teams / Zoom video-conferencing. These have included sessions with the link officer for the China Clay Area and Luxulyan Community Area Partnership (3), a get-together for councillors from the China Clay Area and Luxulyan CAP, a pre-agenda session for the national minority working group, briefings on Good Growth and People Hubs, the Mid Cornwall Metro project, the “level 2 devolution deal” (2), group leaders and a training / development session with councillors and senior leadership team from the unitary authority.

I attended a drop-in session organised by Cornish Lithium at ClayTAWC; St Dennis and Nanpean Community Trust (incinerator fund) (2); St Dennis Parish Council (3) and St Enoder Parish Council (3)

In addition, I have had informal meetings with a wide range of groups and individuals.


FUNDING FOR LOCAL GROUPS

2.0 Applications

In recent months, a key priority for me has been working on funding applications for a number of local groups.

ClayTAWC

I submitted an application for £95,000 from the Community Levelling Up funding, administered by Cornwall Council, to purchase the building and safeguard the Centre for the community going forward. The application has been appraised and it went to a meeting of the funding panel of the China Clay Area and Luxulyan CAP. I am chuffed to be able to confirm that I have been successful and I have just received the offer letter. This funding will be match-funded with a grant from the St Dennis and Nanpean Community Trust.

Indian Queens Recreation Ground

Following the completion of the extension to the Indian Queens Youth Club, I submitted an application to the National Lottery Awards for All programme for £10,000 towards the cost of resurfacing the original parking area in the Recreation Ground and the creation of a disabled car parking space next to the Youth Club.

I am very pleased to be able to report that the application was successful and the works have commenced.

Indian Queens Under-Fives Pre-School

I have been working with the team at the Pre-School to secure funding for improvements to the existing Pre-School building. The cladding around the exterior of the structure has been failing for a number of years, and we are seeking funding for new external cladding. Linked to this, we are also looking to improve the internal walls of the Centre, install a new non-slip floor surface and refurbish the kitchen.

The Pre-School is working hard on raising funds, and I have submitted two funding applications on their behalf. The first application was through the Cornwall Community Foundation. It was for £5,000 and I am pleased that it was successful.

The second application is for £70,000 and has been submitted to Cornwall Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy fund. I understand that a decision will be made in December.

Fraddon Millennium Green

I have also submitted an application for £42,000 to Cornwall Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy fund. This will be to install a wooden tractor and trailer slide (in the location of the locomotive that had to be removed) and the replacement of the existing safety surfacing across the park with a newer “wetpour” surface. Linked to this, I have also submitted an application to the National Lottery Awards for All programme for just under £7,000 to match-fund the CIL funding and pay for landscaping improvements around the Millennium Green. I am hoping to hear positive news in December.


CORNWALL COUNCIL

3.0 Homechoice

A couple of months ago, I submitted a detailed response to the consultation into the Homechoice system, through which publicly-owned rental properties are allocated. I argued that there should be greater support for local households to secure homes in their home parishes.

A series of recommendations have been produced by officers, some of which I disagree with.

Positives first. There is a proposal for “local letting plans,” which cover communities, such as St Dennis Parish, where not enough properties have been going to households from the host parish. I believe this came about, in part, because of representations that I made.

But there is also a proposed policy shift for Section 106 properties. At the present time, most of these agreements state that properties should go households with links to the host (primary) parish, but if there are no bids it will go to a neighbouring (secondary) parish.

The proposed change would prioritise households in the following order:

· “Band A” households from the primary parish
· “Band A” households from secondary parishes
· “Band B” households from the primary parish
· “Band B” households from secondary parishes
· “Band C” households from the primary parish
· “Band C” households from secondary parishes

There also plans to abolish “Band D” and reduce options for households in the lowest-priority “Band E.”

I do not agree with this and the inevitable consequence that people in housing need with an established local connection to a primary parish will miss out.

St Dennis Parish has a population of 2,880, while secondary parishes have population of 20,930 made up as follows: Roche (3,680), St Columb (4,690), St Enoder (5,000) and St Stephen (7,560). St Enoder Parish meanwhile has a population of 5,000, while secondary parishes have a population of 25,470, made up as follows: Colan (2,900), Ladock (1,820), Roche (3,680), St Columb (4,690), St Dennis (2,880), St Newlyn East (1,940) and St Stephen (7,560).

It seems to me that giving greater priority to secondary parishes (eg. secondary Band B over primary Band C) will greatly reduce the number of housing units going to primary parish households – 20,930 / 25,470 is a lot of people!

It is my view that the proposal goes against the legal agreements signed by Cornwall Council and changes are not in line with council policy, and because of this could do reputational harm to the local authority.

The report was submitted to a meeting of the ruling Cabinet on 8th November. I attended the meeting and, as a consequence of my representations, they agreed to a further two-week consultation (which closed on Friday 24th November). I have submitted two further documents in my own name and assisted both St Dennis and St Enoder Parish Councils with further submissions.

A meeting has been arranged for me on Thursday 30th November to meet with the portfolio holder for housing, senior officers and the chairman and vice-chairman of the Economic Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee to discuss my concerns further.

4.0 “Level 2 devolution deal”

The latest “devolution deal” was published by the UK Government on 22nd November. Overall, it is extremely under-whelming and does not include the transfer of far-reaching powers from Westminster to Cornwall as has happened in Wales and Scotland since 1999. The deal is simply a range of accommodations between central government and Cornwall’s unitary authority.

The key headlines are local control over the existing Adult Education Budget and £500,000 for Cornish culture and the Cornish language. The deal will be reviewed by the Customers and Support Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday (27th November) and I anticipate it will be endorsed at a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday (28th November).

I will report more fully in my next monthly report.

5.0 China Clay Area and Luxulyan Community Area Partnership

As the Chairman of the new China Clay Area and Luxulyan CAP, I continue to spend considerable time with officers collating information about the needs of the China Clay Area. I am pleased to report that the CAP has secured £50,000 from Cornwall Council to spend on research for projects. The money has been awarded is in lieu of “Town Vitality Funding,” which went to towns with smaller populations than Clay Country.


ST DENNIS PARISH ISSUES

6.0 Planning matters

I am monitoring a number of planning applications in St Dennis Parish. These include the following:

· Battery storage areas [PA23/04504 / PA23/06527]. The first successful planning application for battery storage was approved on 2nd February 2022. It was for about 100MW. This is immediately to the rear of and adjoining the existing Indian Queens Power Station. There are two live applications for battery storage on this same piece of land. This is not additional battery storage, but two separate solar companies seeking to, in effect, split the existing consent into two new consents. The Parish Council has raised concerns about the risks relating to developments of this type.

· Construction of a house [PA23/04860]. This is proposed for Hendra Road, next to Jubilee Terrace, and the Parish Council has raised a strong objection.

· 27 dwellings at Hendra Prazey [PA20/11311]. This application has been with Cornwall Council for nearly three years. There have been numerous issues about the location for the development. Most recently, the Council has raised concerns about the ecological impact of the development, as it is adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

7.0 Highway matters

In my meeting with the local Cormac representative on 17th November, I discussed a range of highways-related issues in St Dennis Parish. This included the following:

· The Parish Council’s plan for the erection of a series of poles for mobile speed visors.

· The poor quality of road surfaces in a number of areas, where resurfacing is needed. These include Carne Hill, part of Hall Road including pavements, Gothers Road and Trelavour Road.

· The recently completed drainage works on the road near Domellick / Indian Queens Power Station and the need for future monitoring.

· The large amount of lineage in the village which needs repainting.

· My plan to do a re-consultation on a possible traffic calming at the southern entry into Hendra Road as a previous consultation received a limited response.

· My request to investigate the possibility of a streetlight in Downs Close.

· Complaints about speeding in a number of locations, including Enniscaven.

· Representations about an accident between Foxhole and Nanpean.

8.0 Possible multi-use trail

I am continuing to make representations about the possibility of building a project to create a multi-use trail along the old railway line between St Dennis and the Goss Moor nature reserve. I can confirm that a meeting has been arranged with senior council officers on 18th December.

9.0 Cornish Lithium

Following the public meeting organised by Cornish Lithium at The Pitch, which I could not attend as I was on holiday, I was pleased that they agreed to my request to hold further “drop-in” sessions in the village. Two have been held, one of which I was able to attend.


ST ENODER PARISH ISSUES

10.0 Planning matters

As always, there continue to be a number of significant planning applications in St Enoder Parish. Listed below are a few applications with updates.

· 69 park homes at Gnomeworld [PA22/07277]. This application is for residential units, which would replace holiday caravans. Cornwall Council expects an off-site financial contribution for affordable housing from such schemes. The applicant is presently discussing the scale of such a payment and viability issues with the unitary authority.

· 18 dwellings opposite New Row, Summercourt [PA22/08134]. The Parish Council has supported this application. I understand that officers from Cornwall Council are presently seeking slight changes to the pedestrian access into Carnego Lane and further testing of the proposed development site in terms of its drainage details.

· Solar farm at Burthy Row / Chytane, Fraddon (PA23/01893). The planning officer has visited the site to consider revised screening near one property. It is my understanding that proposal is likely to be recommended for approval and that it will be considered at a meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee on 14th December. I do not know if the application will be approved, but I have been making representations about the proposed community benefit associated with the scheme. The applicants originally offered a one-off payment of £150,000, which was initially upped to £180,000. When I became aware that an applicant for a solar farm in a neighbouring parish was proposing an annual payment of £20,000 (index-linked), I challenged the applicants for the Burthy Row / Chytane scheme. They have subsequently come back with a revised offer of £17,000 per annum (not index-linked) for a period of 40 years. I have written to them again, challenging why they cannot protect the payment against inflation over the lifetime of the solar farm.

· Holiday lodge at White Cross [PA23/04485]. The Parish Council has objected to this retrospective application. The lodge was complete, before any planning application was submitted.

· 28 dwellings to the rear of Lindsay Fields [PA23/04991]. This application is place of a previous consent for 20 properties. The Parish Council has objected as the proposal did not contain two car parking spaces per unit as expected from the St Enoder Neighbourhood Plan. We are waiting to see a revised plan for further comment.

· Extension to existing commercial industrial unit, Indian Queens Industrial Estate [PA23/05424]. This application was in a location, where a copse of trees had previously been removed. This proposal has been consented, but with a condition to enhance the screening between the extension and Moorland Road.

· Holiday accommodation to rear of Silver Birch Gardens, St Columb Road [PA23/05462]. This application is on the same footprint as a previous application for fifty houses, which was turned down by Cornwall Council in 2021. There have been numerous local objections, including the Parish Council. I am expecting another refusal in this area.

· Storage yard at Toldish [PA23/06705]. A number of local residents have objected to the development, which has already happened without planning permission. The Parish Council has also objected to this retrospective application.

11.0 Highway matters

In my meeting with the local Cormac representative on 17th November, I discussed a range of highways-related issues in St Enoder Parish. This included the following:

· The Parish Council’s plan for the erection of a series of poles for mobile speed visors. The suggested locations are Chapeltown, Penhale, Newquay Road in St Columb Road and Trevarren Green.

· The poor quality of road surfaces in a number of areas, where resurfacing is needed. These include a section near St Enoder Churchtown and along the road between the Arrallas turning and Mitchell.

· The road surface by the new zebra crossing in Chapel Road, Indian Queens, is disappointingly breaking up a bit and the white bits on the speed humps need re-doing already.

· Some of the red surfacing outside Summercourt School is breaking up.

· Double yellow lines need to be redone close to the crossroads at Summercourt following the A3058 works [signalised crossings].

· The large amount of lineage in the village which needs repainting. This includes the bus stop markings in St Francis Road, St Columb Road, by Summercourt School, and Beacon Road, Summercourt.

· Complaints about speeding in a number of locations.

· Concerns raised about parking on Moorland Road, linked to the Industrial Estate.

Also ongoing is the proposed safety works at Sea View Terrace on the road to St Stephen and my follow-up on the Cormac study [Penhale – St Columb Road], plus how I might be able to link this to the Council’s commitment to 20mph speed limits in built-up areas [timetabled for 2024].

12.0 Youth Club

I was pleased to attend the “opening” of the new Youth Club building on 3rd October, when representatives of the Parish Council met with the youth workers from Young People Cornwall who run the Club. The chairman of the Parish Council Alan Shaw symbolically handed over the key.

The original building was constructed in 2014 but proved to be too small for the number of children attending Youth Club sessions at the venue. The Parish Clerk Amanda Kendall and I submitted an application to the unitary authority’s Community Infrastructure Levy fund to double the size of the structure. This was successful and £60,000 was secured towards overall costs of £74,000.

The enlargement works were carried out by local builder Nathan Chapman (N&S Builders Ltd) from Fraddon.

13.0 School visit to Council offices

As a councillor, sometimes you just get to do nice things. On 9th November, I was one of the elected members who supported a visit to the council offices in Truro by children from schools within the Aspire Academy (including Indian Queens and Summercourt). The children were a credit to their schools, and it was great to see them learning more about democracy and public services.

14.0 Remembrance Sunday

I was pleased to attend the annual Remembrance Sunday event at St Enoder Churchtown on 12th November and to read out the names of the fallen. I was also pleased to supply information about three servicemen (William James Bailey and Richard Enoder Tonkin who were lost in the First World War, and Maurice Sloman who was lost in the Second World War) and whose lives were featured in the church service.

The service at St Dennis was held at the same time as the St Enoder event and I was therefore unable to attend. I remain grateful to the Chairman of St Dennis Parish Council, Julia Clarke, who ensured that a wreath was laid on my behalf at the St Dennis commemoration.

15.0 Newsletter

As previously noted, relatively recently, I distributed a newsletter around St Dennis Parish, but because of my workload I have not yet been able get one produced for St Enoder Parish. My present plan is to draft the leaflet in December and deliver it immediately after Christmas.


HELPING LOCAL FAMILIES

16.0 Advice

In addition, I have assisted numerous households and individuals with guidance and advice on a range of topics.

MY LATEST CORNWALL COUNCIL REPORT

Time period: 20th January – 23rd April 2023

1.0 Council and other meetings

In terms of physical meetings of Cornwall Council during the last three months, I attended Full Council (3), Cabinet (3), Customers and Support Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Economic Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Constitution and Governance Committee (2), China Clay Area Community Network (2), a meeting about Community Levelling Up (Good Growth) funding for the China Clay Area, meetings relating to a peer review into the Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (3), stakeholder events for a review into the Homechoice system for the allocation of publicly-owned rental properties (3), a visit to the Council call centre at Camborne through the Customers and Support Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, a meeting about the proposed new CAPs (Community Area Partnerships), and a stakeholder event about health provision in the China Clay Area linked to the “eco-town / garden village” development near Penwithick.

Further meetings through Teams video-conferencing included gatherings of Cornwall Councillors in the China Clay Area (2), sessions about Community Levelling Up (Good Growth) funding for the China Clay Area (3), Cornish National Minority Working Group (2) and an associated public forum (plus three associated sessions), briefing on Cornwall Council residents’ survey, a training session about the new Climate Change Development Plan Document, a policy briefing about the proposed “devolution deal,” Group Leader meetings (3) and briefings in advance of Full Council meetings (2).

Other physical meetings have included St Enoder Parish Council (4) and St Dennis Parish Council (4), the Incinerator Community Forum, St Dennis and Nanpean Community Trust (trustee), Board of ClayTAWC (chairman) (3), Indian Queens Pit (trustee) (2) and a public meeting organised by Cornish Lithium at The Pitch. I also attended Annual Assemblies for both parishes.

ClayTAWC is hosting a multi-agency community hub on the first Wednesday of each month at which a range of organisations are present to give advice to local people. I attended the hub in February.

I also had further online meetings about a range of local issues.

2.0 CORNWALL COUNCIL

2.1 “Devolution deal”

The ten-week consultation into the so-called “devolution deal” agreed between the UK Government and Cornwall Council closed in March. I can confirm that I submitted a detailed response on behalf of Mebyon Kernow, which called on the Conservative unitary authority to seek a better “deal” and to use their political influence to secure a more meaningful deal that should include the transfer of far-reaching powers from Westminster to Cornwall as has happened in Wales and Scotland.

I also took part in a debate about the “deal” at the university at Tremough on 6th February and I was a guest on the BBC Politics Show on 10th February, on which we covered the same subject.

At the meeting of Full Council on 18th April, I proposed a motion seeking greater devolution for Cornwall. The motion argued that Cornwall merited parity with Wales and Scotland in terms of devolution and sought to “commence negotiations for a proper devolution settlement similar to those enjoyed in the other Celtic parts of the UK (such as a National Assembly of Cornwall or Cornish Parliament).”

The motion was lost by 38 votes to 36. Supporters included all MK, Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors, plus all members of the Independent Group – bar one – and three Conservatives. It was opposed by 35 Tories, one “Conservative aligned independent,” one non-aligned independent and the one member of the Independent Group.

Interesting, a number of councillors from the Conservative administration expressed some sympathy with the move for more extensive powers for Cornwall, and I will continue to do all I can to persuade my colleagues to be more ambitious for Cornwall.

2.2 Review into Homechoice

Cornwall Council and a series of Registered Providers (Housing Associations) have commenced a review into the Homechoice system for the allocation of publicly owned rental properties. I attended a meeting of the Economic Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee about this on 28th February, and argued that all the partners should be prioritising the provision of affordable housing to local people. I also sent an email to other councillors and officers dealing with the review. It was as follows:

I am a strong supporter of assisting local people to access affordable housing in their local parish. Indeed, I feel that the whole concept of affordable / local-needs housing is greatly undermined, if processes make that difficult for local people.

Obviously, local people have a preference for properties, where occupation is controlled by Section 106 agreement or a nomination agreement.

But I believe it is extremely important that a significant number of those affordable homes without S106s / nomination agreements (such as old council housing) should also have a local (parish) connection applied. This is especially important, where there is a high percentage of “old” affordable housing units.

About 12 months ago, I did a study into the provision of affordable housing in one of the two parishes that I represent (St Dennis). At that time, there were a total of 236 publicly-owned rental units in this parish. Of these, 190 (80%) had no “parish connection” criteria, while 20 units (9%) were tied by a Section 106 agreement and the two most recent affordable housing developments totalling 26 units (11%) were controlled by nomination agreements.

I wrote the report because, due to mistakes, the nomination agreements on the 26 properties noted above were not applied. On one of the developments (ten units), not one went to a family with a parish connection to St Dennis.

Through this study, I looked at lettings over a three-year period. I identified 33 rental properties, for which no S106s or nomination agreements had been applied and for which I was given letting information. I can confirm that only eight (24%) went to households with a parish connection to St Dennis.

There is considerable anger at what has happened in St Dennis Parish and I believe that any review of the allocations system must look to apply “parish connection” criteria on a significant number of non-S106 properties in such places.

Over this same three-year period in the other parish I represent (St Enoder), I can confirm that nine non-S106 properties came up for re-let. Only two (22%) went to local households. In St Enoder, local households very much have preference for the newer S106 properties (most of which are the more expensive affordable rent units), but are largely missing out on the older “social rent” units.

I do not think it appropriate that households with a parish connection are, disproportionately, missing out on social rent properties in their home areas.

It is my view that considerable work should be done to understand the split of Section 106 / non-S106 properties and social rent / affordable rent units in all parishes across Cornwall, which can be used to boost the provision of parish connection in parishes such as St Dennis and St Enoder.

It is my intention to update the evidence in the coming days and I will formally submit this as part of the review.

Three stakeholder events were held in April and I attended all three. I continue to argue that the “local connection” aspect of the allocations should be strengthened for parishes such as St Dennis and St Enoder. I am presently collating further evidence to submit into the review.

2.3 Full Council meetings

Since my last report, there have been three meetings of Cornwall Council. The first of these was an extraordinary meeting, which dealt with the completion of the Community Governance Review that considered changes to parish council boundaries. I was heavily involved with this and I am pleased that the attempt by St Austell Town Council to extend its boundaries into Treverbyn Parish was not successful.

The second meeting agreed the Council’s budget for 2023/24. It included a (maximum) 4.99% increase in council tax and was voted through by the Conservative majority on the authority. The Mebyon Kernow / Green Group did not support the budget and challenged the leadership of the unitary authority and Cornwall’s six MPs to better lobby for fair funding for local government in Cornwall.

As noted above, at the third meeting, I moved a motion about greater devolution for Cornwall.

2.4 China Clay Area CAP?

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet has taken the decision to change the present 19 Community Networks into 12 Community Area Partnerships (CAPs). I am pleased to be able to report that the new CAP for our area will largely cover the same patch as the existing Network.

It will cover the five China Clay Area parishes, plus the parish of Luxulyan. This new CAP will start meeting from May onwards and will have some say over the allocation of elements of Shared Prosperity (Community Levelling Up) Funding.

2.5 Fire Control Room

I attended the meeting of Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on 22nd March and I was pleased that the decision was taken to keep the Fire Control Room within Cornwall and rejected the option to out-source it to the east of the Tamar.

2.6 Peer review into Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Between 21st and 23rd March, a team of Local Government Association representatives and peers from other councils visited Cornwall to review the unitary authority’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. As I had chaired the councillors working group, which was a key element in the production of the Strategy, I attended two discussions and a feedback session. A full feedback report will be published in the near-future.

2.7 My Community Chest

As a Cornwall Councillor, I am allocated £3,000 per annum, which I can grant to local organisations. I can confirm that for 2022/2023, I awarded grants to the Community Larder for Indian Queens and District, Indian Queens Youth Football, St Dennis Carnival, St Dennis Multi-Agency Hub, St Dennis Youth Club, the Wesley Pre-School at Indian Queens, and Wheal Rose Football Team at Mitchell. Anyone wishing to apply to my community chest for 2023/24, should give me a call to have a chat.

ST DENNIS PARISH ISSUES

3.0 Multi-use trail

In January, I reported that I had secured funding from Natural England to produce a report scoping out what would need to be done to turn the section of the defunct railway line between St Dennis and the Goss Moor National Nature Reserve into a multi-use trail. Sustrans were commissioned to do the study and I was pleased to visit the old railway line with them on 9th February.

A first draft of this study has just been completed. I will be attending a meeting with the charity and Cornwall Council in the next few days to discuss the initial findings.

4.0 Footpath 20

I am pleased to report that Cornwall Council has inserted a gate into a wall on the route of footpath 20 to the north of St Dennis Church.

5.0 Path between Manson Place and Trelavour Road

I was also pleased to meet up with some St Dennis Parish Councillors on Sunday 5th February to help cut back vegetation growing out into the path which extends from Manson Place to Trelavour Road.

6.0 Cornish Lithium meeting

I attended the public meeting held by Cornish Lithium in The Pitch on 22nd March. A detailed update was provided, which included an acknowledgement that the firm is carrying out some geo-technical work on one of the two most dominant skytips above St Dennis (namely Pointy). Obviously, it is not yet known what the conclusion of the assessment will be, but I know the importance of Flatty and Pointy to the local area and I will be carefully monitoring the situation as it develops.

7.0 Planning matters

Last year, a planning application was submitted for a new dwelling on Hendra Road, which was opposed by the Parish Council. It was subsequently withdrawn, but a fresh application has now been submitted (PA23/01263). The Parish Council has, once again, raised an objection and I will be keep an eye on what happens with the proposal.

8.0 Litter pick

It was great to join parish councillors and local residents at the litter pick in St Dennis on 15th April. It is worrying how much waste you can pick up in a couple of hours.

9.0 Annual Assembly

It was also a pleasure to attend the 2023 Annual Assembly for St Dennis on 18th April. I presented an annual report summarising key elements of my work over the last 12 months.

10.0 ClayTAWC

As the Chairman of the Board at ClayTAWC, I am putting a significant amount of time into the safeguarding of the future of the centre. Our 25-year lease for the building ends in about 18 months, and we are presently seeking funding to purchase the building so that it will be protected as a community-owned asset at the heart of the village. It is hoped that the funding will come from the St Dennis and Nanpean Community Trust (incinerator fund) and Shared Prosperity Funding through Cornwall Council.

ST ENODER PARISH ISSUES

11.0 Youth Club

As previously reported, the Parish Clerk (Amanda Kendall) and I submitted an application to Cornwall Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding towards the extension of the Youth Club building in the Indian Queens Recreation Ground. I am delighted to confirm that the funding application for £60,000 was successful and it is hoped the works to double the size of the youth club building will commence in Spring / early Summer.

12.0 Orchard planting

I was also pleased to be involved with the planting of 11 apple trees and four cherry trees on Parish Council land near to Indian Queens School on 23rd March (see above image). The works were carried out by the Parish Clerk, the Parish Council handyman (Nigel Trebell) and myself, with the assistance of over seventy children and some of the School’s teaching assistants.

The handyman has also installed three picnic benches in this area, along with two rubbish bins.

13.0 Planning matters

There continues to be a large number of live planning applications in St Enoder Parish. Listed below are updates on a couple of them, which will soon be considered by St Enoder Parish Council.

13.1 Housing development at Summercourt (PA22/08134)

I hosted a meeting at the New Memorial Hall in Summercourt on 23rd February, at which residents of New Row met with representatives of the owners of the land opposite their properties, where a development of 20 new dwellings (ten affordable) was proposed. Cornwall Council had also raised concerns about the application as originally submitted and I confirm that a slightly reworked scheme (of 18 units) has been submitted by the applicants.

13.2 Solar Farm at Burthy Row / Chytane (PA23/01893)

The application for a 50mw solar farm at Burthy / Chytane near Fraddon has just been submitted. It has been validated and residents can now formally comment on the proposal.

14.0 Highway matters

14.1 Pedestrianised crossings in Summercourt

Works to install three pedestrianised crossings on the crossroads are nearing completion. I had a number of concerns raised with me about the time that the works have taken and related matters, which I have passed onto Cornwall Council.

The new lights are up and final works relate to the replacement of some granite kerbing, after which the new arrangement will be fully operational.

14.2 Zebra crossings

Last year, zebra crossings were installed on Chapel Road and St Francis Road, Indian Queens, along with some associated calming measures. I have just been supplied with new speed data reports, which show that the installations are slowing speeds in the area – especially along Chapel Road. The figures are as follows:

Chapel Road

North-eastbound
Pre-scheme
o Mean speed – 26.3mph
o % compliance with 30mph limit – 77.5%
Post scheme
o Mean speed – 19.2mph (7.1mph reduction)
o % compliance with 30mph limit – 99.3%

South-westbound
Pre scheme
o Mean speed – 29.5mph
o % compliance with 30mph limit – 51.6%
Post scheme
o Mean speed – 20.8mph (8.7mph reduction)
o % compliance with 30mph limit – 97.8%

St Francis Road

North-westbound
Pre scheme
o Mean speed – 25.5mph
o % compliance with 30mph limit – 84.9%
Post scheme
o Mean speed – 23.1mph (2.4mph reduction)
o % compliance with 30mph limit – 96.0%

South-eastbound
Pre scheme
o Mean speed – 25.5mph
o % compliance with 30mph limit – 79.6%
Post scheme
o Mean speed – 23.4mph (2.1mph reduction)
o % compliance with 30mph limit – 95.0%

I hope that people will agree that this is a positive impact for the local community.

14.3 Pocohontas Crescent / Princess Parc

I have made numerous representations to Cornwall Council in recent years about the state of the road in Pocohontas Crescent and I am pleased that Cormac have recently been on site carrying out “works to repair the carriageway surface” in Pocohontas Crescent and Princess Parc.

15.0 Annual Assembly

It was also a pleasure to attend the 2023 Annual Assembly for St Enoder on 11th April, at which I presented an annual report summarising key elements of my work over the last 12 months.

HELPING LOCAL FAMILIES

16.0 Advice

Over the last three months, I have also assisted numerous households and individuals with guidance and advice on a range of topics, including housing, planning and fly-tipping.

MY LATEST REPORT ON MY COUNCIL DUTIES

Time period: 2nd December 2022 - 20th January 2023

1.0 Council and other meetings

In terms of physical meetings of Cornwall Council during the last two months, I attended Full Council, Strategic Planning Committee, Customers and Support Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Constitution and Governance Committee, China Clay Area Community Network and a meeting of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Network Panels to discuss proposed new Community Area Partnerships. Other physical meetings have included St Enoder Parish Council and St Dennis Parish Council (3).

Further meetings through Teams video-conferencing included an informal session of Customers and Support Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee (about the devolution deal), preparatory session for Constitution and Governance Committee, Cornish National Minority Working Group (plus two associated preparatory sessions), monthly meeting for China Clay Area members (2), briefing in advance of Full Council, Group Leaders’ meeting (2) and a briefing on proposed Shared Prosperity Funding (Community Levelling Up).

I also had further online meetings about a range of local issues.

2.0 Cornwall Council

2.1 “Devolution deal”

The ten-week consultation into the so-called “devolution deal,” agreed between the UK Government and the Conservative administration in Truro, continues until 17th February.

During the last few weeks, I have studied the deal in detail and I have been involved in various informal discussions about what had been proposed. I have been very critical of what has been agreed and, as I have written previously, the deal does not include the transfer of far-reaching powers from Westminster to Cornwall as has happened in Wales and Scotland. The deal largely comprises accommodations between central government and the unitary authority in Cornwall.

To me, the inadequacy of the deal is shown by paragraph 24 of the document. This lists the functions that the “Government will devolve to Cornwall Council.” But only two are listed, namely (i) adult education and skills, and (ii) housing and planning. In terms of adult education, it would mean decisions about an existing budget would be taken in Cornwall. While for planning / housing functions, it would allow the proposed mayor to “designate a Mayoral Development Area” and “set up a Mayoral Development Corporation” to push forward certain “strategic” developments. This is certainly not about devolving control over the planning system in Cornwall and, if anything, takes authority away from elected councillors.

It is true that the deal does include more money for Cornwall Council, principally through a promise of a “Cornwall Investment Fund,” which would be worth £12million per annum for 30 years. There is a further £30 million of more immediate funding. In overall terms, this funding is extremely limited in scope. The fund itself represents less than one percent of Cornwall Council’s annual budget, and I would question why such funding needs to be linked to a “devolution deal” and the imposition of a mayor.

Also, throughout the document, there are repeated “commitments” from central government. A wordsearch of the document shows that there are 27 pledges to “work with” the unitary authority on various matters, eight pledges to “consider” specific proposals and 17 pledges to “explore” certain initiatives. I struggle to take such “aspirations” seriously in this time of ongoing austerity. There is no guarantee that such “commitments” will lead to anything. It is also the case that some of the funding and some of the proposals are subject to business cases (that have to be approved by central government). Some commitments are further undermined as the text says they will be taken forward “where appropriate” – further reducing any certainty of delivery.

Anyone who wishes to take part in the consultation should go to:
https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/

2.2 20mph limits

As previously reported, Cornwall Council has a commitment to 20mph limits in villages and towns across Cornwall. At a recent meeting of the Economic Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee, it was confirmed that the new speed limits would be introduced across the China Clay Area in 2024. Some key roads may stay as 30mph zones and local Cornwall Councillors have already requested a discussion about how such “exempted” roads might be identified.

2.3 China Clay Area CAP?

In my role as Chairman of the China Clay Area Community Network Panel, I attended another meeting about the decision of the Council’s Conservative administration to change the present 19 Community Networks into 12 Community Area Partnerships (CAPs). At the present time, the option going forward to Cabinet in February includes a proposal for a China Clay Area CAP, though the possible addition of a single extra parish (Luxulyan) is being considered. These new CAPs, if agreed, will have an important role going forward, as it is proposed that the decisions behind the allocation of some Shared Prosperity Funding (Community Levelling Up) will be taken by the CAPs.

3.0 Solar farms

The planning application for a solar farm at Tregonning Farm (PA22/01511) in Newlyn East Parish was presented to a meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee on 12th January. While the actual solar farm is not located in my division, the cabling for the scheme would be excavated through St Enoder Parish for a distance of more than 4.5 miles. This would be partly through fields before going along part of the old A30 through Fraddon and Indian Queens, and then onto Indian Queens Power Station in St Dennis Parish. The solar farm did secure planning permission at the meeting. I spoke and successfully sought changes to the planning conditions to ensure that the trenching was also covered by the Construction Management Plan for the scheme.

When the application was submitted, it included provision for a community payment to Newlyn East Parish. This is normal practice for renewable energy planning applications. During the consideration of the application by planning officers, it was noted that the construction of the scheme would lead to some disturbance in St Enoder Parish. As a consequence, when the solar is built, St Enoer Parish will receive a one-off community payment of £25,000, which could be used for local projects.

I also attended the pre-application consultation event on another solar farm, which took place on 7th December. This solar farm is proposed for land at Burthy Row / Chytane near Fraddon. In addition, I can confirm that the promoters of another solar farm at Trerice in St Dennis Parish will be looking to do further community consultation in the next couple of months.

ST DENNIS PARISH ISSUES

4.0 Multi-use trail

In previous reports, I have noted how I had submitted unsuccessful applications to the G7 Legacy Fund and a Natural England “seed corn” fund to support the work to scope out, design and cost what would need to be done to turn the section of the defunct railway line (see above image) between St Dennis and the Goss Moor National Nature Reserve into a multi-use trail.

2023 certainly started with some good news for me. I am very pleased to be able to report that Natural England had an under-spend and it has just been confirmed that funding has been found for Cornwall Council to carry out these scoping works. The Council has commissioned Sustrans to do the study, which needs to be completed within the next ten weeks.

I will report the findings as soon as I have them.

5.0 Footpath 20

Footpath 20 to the north of St Dennis Church leads over a stile which is very steep and difficult for many people to negotiate. In recent years, walkers have been going through a gap in the stone wall boundary, but this was recently repaired. Cornwall Council has been in discussions with the landowner and it has been agreed that a gate is to be inserted into the boundary to ensure that people can continue to take walks in this area. Works are anticipated to progress in the very near-future.

6.0 Highway schemes

Cornwall Council recently consulted on two small highway schemes in St Dennis Parish, which have been brought forward through the Community Network Panel’s highway scheme, following representations from local residents. These were an additional pinch-point at the southern end of Hendra Road (to slow traffic entering and leaving the village) and a small degree of parking restrictions near the kebab shop (where some households have had difficulty in gaining access to their homes). I will soon be updated on feedback to what has been proposed in the near furture.

ST ENODER PARISH ISSUES

7.0 Planning application for six extra gypsy / traveller pitches at Little Meadows, Toldish (PA20/03553)

In August 2020, Cornwall Council refused planning permission for six additional gypsy / traveller pitches at Little Meadows, Toldish, because of the adverse impact on the local countryside. The applicant appealed the decision to the Bristol-based Planning Inspectorate and a hearing was held in the council offices in Bodmin on 2nd November. At this hearing, I presented evidence on a range of matters on behalf of St Enoder Parish Council and others.

The decision was published on 12th December, when planning permission for the development was confirmed.

Central to the consideration of such applications is the target in the Cornwall Local Plan of 318 gypsy / traveller pitches, which need to be provided in Cornwall between 2015 and 2030. This target was founded on an accommodation assessment, which identified need figures in four different areas across Cornwall (North Cornwall – no target; Mid Cornwall – 113; South East Cornwall – 14; West Cornwall – 190).

In terms of what has been consented, I can confirm that since 1st November 2015, a total of 143 gypsy / traveller pitches have been given planning permission in Cornwall.

In relation, the targets in the accommodation assessment, I can report the following:

· North Cornwall – 2 pitches consented in an area without a regional target (N/A)
· Mid Cornwall – 121 pitches towards 113 (107% of 2030 target)
· South East Cornwall – 5 pitches towards 14 (36% of 2030 target)
· West Cornwall – 15 pitches towards 190 (8% of 2030 target)

I can further report that 107 pitches were located within the China Clay Area / Luxulyan / St Blazey. This equates to 88% of traveller pitches approved in Mid Cornwall and 75% of traveller pitches approved across the whole of Cornwall during the last seven years.

8.0 CIL application

As previously reported, the Parish Clerk and I submitted an application to Cornwall Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding towards the extension of the Youth Club building in the Indian Queens Recreation Ground. I can confirm that planning permission for the extension has been secured and we are expecting to hear about the funding application within days.

9.0 Highway matters

9.1 Pedestrianised crossings in Summercourt

In my last report prior to Christmas, I gave an update on the timetable for the installation of the pedestrianised crossings on the three arms of the crossroads at Summercourt. I was told that the works would be carried out during March-May 2023, but I have recently received an update that this has been moved forward to February-March 2023.

9.2 Penhale double yellow lines

Many people will have seen that the double yellow lines near Penhale Cottages, adjacent to Kingsley Village, have finally been completed. The necessary legal order has also been lodged and everyone needs to be aware that, as of 4th January, the parking restrictions became enforceable.

HELPING LOCAL FAMILIES

10.0 Advice

Over the last month, I have also assisted numerous households and individuals with guidance and advice on a range of topics. Over the last few weeks, I have reported a number of issues to the unitary authority including fly-tipping, and problems with streetlights and pot-holes.