Cornish Social & Economic Research Group

About 2,000 council jobs in Cornwall are to be axed in a bid to save £110 million over the next four years in local government spending. The shock announcement came yesterday as Cornwall Council chiefs revealed they would be setting their own emergency budget for next year in November. The move comes ahead of the outcome of the Government's spending review.

Comment
The fall-out from the new Governments policies of cutting public expenditure continues apace. Any job cuts whether during the recession or in the recovery phase are harmful, to the individuals concerned, the community and the wider economy. Government policy ignores these issues oblivious of the impact.
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news

Britain's first commercial wind farm is gearing up to start the process of repowering next month. Built in 1991, the Delabole Wind Farm is replacing the ten original turbines with four larger and more powerful ones which will more than double the current output. The new turbines are almost twice the height of the old ones. They will measure 64 metres to the hub and 99.5 metres to the tip compared to the 32-metre hub height and 50-metre tip height of the old turbines. The new turbines harness the wind far more efficiently. The project is costing Good Energy £12m and the turbines represent the second generation of onshore wind power in the UK.

Comment
No doubt questions were raised about the impact on the landscape, but there are far worse developments which impact on the landscape. Investing in renewables has advantages for the Cornish economy and for reducing carbon output. A move towards greater community ownership might also assist in regenerating the economy and ensuring money is retained within the Cornish economy.
More here... www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news

Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, has warned funding for the "lifeline" link between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland is at risk until the Battle of Battery Rocks is resolved, the 'Western Morning News' can reveal. Mr Hammond acknowledged that there is a "special case" to be made for protecting around £24 million of Department for Transport(DfT) cash earmarked for providing a ferry link between the Scillies and Cornwall.

Comment
The Battery Rocks saga has revealed weaknesses in the planning system, relating to the consultation process, decision making and funding. Fundamental questions about the stage at which consultation should proceed – before rather than after consultants have looked at proposals; who should decide – the local community or a Cornish strategic body?; and, would it not be better if Cornwall had a pot of funds to dispense rather than have to ask for funding?
More...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news

George Eustice (Camborne and Redruth, Conservative)
"One of the projects currently under review in my area is the east-west link road in Camborne and Redruth, which is a crucial element of a broader regeneration project, led by the private sector, that would create 6,000 new jobs. Does the Secretary of State agree that when it comes to prioritising transport projects after the comprehensive spending review, one of the key criteria to apply will be the impact on enterprise and jobs?"

Norman Baker (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Regional and Local Transport), Transport; Lewes, Liberal Democrat). "I fully understand the importance attached to that scheme in my hon. Friend's constituency. I can confirm to him that the impact on the economy and job creation will be a factor taken into account in deciding whether to proceed with the scheme, along with the public finances and the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions".

Comment
Pre his elevation to the Commons, Mr Eustace was against the 'bonkers' housing figures for the Camborne-Redruth area. The east west highway is part and parcel of the plans for the extra houses and associated jobs. At odds with previous views?
More here...www.theyworkforyou.com

Ref: Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 22 July 2010, c552)

The historical status of a Cornish pier at the centre of a bitter planning row has been upgraded by the Government to make it one of the country’s most important harbours. Building watchdog English Heritage advised the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles to elevate the South Pier in Penzance from Grade a II to Grade II* listing. A report by English Heritage said the South Pier is “amongst the best preserved of early Cornish harbours” and that “compared with the majority of highly-graded harbours, the historical significance of Penzance is particularly high”. The move has invigorated campaigners opposed to the plans drawn up by the Route Partnership, which is made up of Cornwall Council, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and the Duchy of Cornwall. For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news

A recycling campaign by Cornwall Council has boosted recycling levels and gained it a national award. The council's innovative work in engaging the public was recognised at the national Plant and Waste Recycling Awards at the Imperial Hotel in Torquay. The council's waste awareness team carried out a three-month intensive campaign to raise recycling levels in the St Austell and St Blazey area, which featured a revolutionary Big Green Ticket scheme whereby residents could win shopping vouchers.

Julian German, Cornwall Council cabinet member for waste management, said: "We're thrilled to have run such a successful campaign and to win national recognition. It is a fantastic initiative because it takes all of the good work that we have developed over the last few years across Cornwall and focuses it on a specific area.

Comment
Reduce, reuse, recycle - all necessary if we are to waste less. Hopefuly more people in Cornwall will recycle more now.
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news

Impressive change from poor man to powerhouse,
This is Cornwall, 25 June 2010

It doesn't seem so long ago that Cornwall's sprawling urban Camborne Pool Redruth corridor was struggling to keep up in a county that seemed to be leaving it behind. A legacy of long since shut down heavy industry, poor transport links and decaying housing stock made it the butt of many a joke. The fact that the ordinary, down-to-earth towns are sandwiched between arty St Ives to the north and thriving Falmouth to the south made the distinction that much greater. But the CPR area is limping no more and in an impressively short period of time has transformed from poor man to powerhouse.

Comment
Yes the area is unrecognisable - a dual carriageway from East Hill to the A30, a huge new crossroads at East Hill - and more roads to come! Apart from the visual impact, not exactly a move towards reducing traffic and pollution? And if all the other developments proposed go ahead, the area will be even more unrecognisable - fewer green areas, more traffic, loss of community. Unrecognizable, undesirable and unsustainable. Powerhouse? More development does not equal becoming a powerhouse.
For More...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

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Plans to use the planet's heat for energy move a step closer,
This is Cornwall, 24 June 2010

Plans to create the country's first geothermal power station, in the heart of the Cornish countryside, could move a step closer today if councillors agree to visit the proposed development site. Renewable power company Geothermal Engineering Ltd wants to tap into the "hot rocks" technology as part of a £40 million plan for United Downs at St Day. If given the go-ahead, the project would draw on Cornwall's mining heritage by drilling huge holes into the ground as part of the renewable energy process. Residents are concerned about noise levels during the drilling process, as well as possible impacts on wildlife. But the energy company recently held a site meeting to demonstrate noise levels, which it says will be no louder than conversational speech.

Comment
An opportunity to exploit Cornwall's resources? If the scheme can produce energy for the area then it should assist in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news

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Moves to dismantle regional regime announced,
Planning Portal, Communities and Local Government, 24 June 2010

Communities secretary Eric Pickles has begun to dismantle the funding and powers of regional local authority leaders' boards, which took over most of the functions and staff of the old regional assemblies. The boards are set to become redundant as the current regime of regional strategies is abolished. The dismantling of these boards will see local authorities put back in control of delivering services and provision for their area. Pickles said: "This is another step in wresting control from the bureaucrats, stopping the top-down diktats and axing unelected, ineffective quangos.”
More here...www.planningportal.gov.uk

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Former MP will lead flagship eco-town project in clay country,
This is Cornwall, 7 June 2010

Matthew Taylor, the former Liberal Democrat MP for Truro and St Austell, is to be the independent chairman of the board co-ordinating Cornwall's flagship eco-town project. The politician, who stood down ahead of last month's General Election, will be responsible for helping to bring together developers, planners, funding bodies and environmental groups to ensure the multi-million project across six former clay mines in St Austell is a success. Mr Taylor said: "High quality affordable homes, sustainable new employment, and the facilities needed for strong communities and neighbourhoods - this is the opportunity. My job will be to help this happen, working with the community as well as Government agencies to make sure we get it right. "Having lived in the clay community for 23 years, I share the hopes, and know the challenges we face. Now it is time to deliver."

Comment
What else is there to add? Is an ecotown simply more unsustainable development but badged as being eco-friendly?
For More....www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news

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Aerial survey shows Cornwall's landscape is changing,
BBC News, 5 June 2010

Researchers studied aerial photographs of the county taken between 1995 and 2005 to record the changes. The photographs showed that farmland and wetlands had been replaced with modern developments. Dave Lewis from Cornwall Council, which organised the study, said: "It's predicted we might lose 40% of our wildlife species over 50 years." Mr Lewis added: "It's very difficult to imagine what Cornwall would be like if we lost half our wildlife." Researchers at Cornwall Wildlife Trust studied the photographs and recorded the data. Enclosed farmland has also decreased with about 4,700 acre acres lost to developments. Mary Combe from the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group said: "The worrying thing about it is it's the edge of farmland people are willing to sell, when that's the most important part for wildlife because of the hedges and scrub."

Comment
Unsurprising news in many ways. Cornwall has seen and continues to see unsustainable levels of development - roads, dwellings and associated developments. Unless the projected levels of population growth are halted and to some extent reversed there will be less land available for wildlife and less wildlife. At the same time much of the existing landscape is mismanaged. Farmers and other landowners continue to destroy the environment through unnecessary trimming. Many gardeners remove any trace of wild plants and in the process the animals that feed on them, from their gardens, leaving instead the ubiquitous desert of the lawn. There is a general consensus that keeping the place 'tidy' is a good thing, hence the mown verges near roads and removal of annoying areas of 'wildness'. Until society changes its attitude to the environment and recognises limits to growth, little will change.
More...BBC News

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Smit poses a big green challenge to put Cornwall region at forefront of renewable energy,
This is Cornwall, 5 May 2010

The Westcountry could become a world leader in renewable technology if it "buys into" a vision for a green future, environmental leaders claim. Tim Smit, the mastermind behind Cornwall's Eden Project, urged people to "grab the opportunity" and position the region at the forefront of renewable energy during a special conference yesterday.

Comment
News that Cornwall could play a major role in renewable energy development is to be welcomed. Investment, innovation and inspiration are the key themes to making a success of what is a natural resource. Policymakers will need to ensure that local communities and businesses benefit from this process.

Being more sustainable has of course two elements - increasing use of alternative energy sources and reducing demand for energy. One aspect of this is that Cornwall, along with the rest of the UK, needs to address its over-dependence on car use. An opportunity where Eden, as a generator of traffic could make a contribution?
For More....www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news

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Election issues in Cornwall,
CoSERG document, 2 May 2010

With the election in full swing and a few days to go before the vote on 6th May, it is timely to examine the issues facing Cornwall that should be addressed by candidates. There are of course those major UK policy areas which will impact upon Cornwall - future economic policy particularly in relation to public spending and tax. There are however a range of issues which are of particular importance in a Cornish context.
More...Election issues for Cornwall (PDF 22.6Kb)

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Town centre faces battle to survive in economic storm,
This is Cornwall, 15 April 2010

High street shopping in Penzance is declining as a storm of events sends customers away from the town centre, according to shop owners. Local resident Peter Waverly has documented the closure of 56 businesses around the town since September 2008 when the global banking crisis took hold. And while there are signs of recovery, with shops like Tesco Express and Poundstretcher moving into vacant premises, he says the town has never in its history suffered "such a blow to its retail trade and to its vitality as a town".

Comment
Mr Waverly lists a number of issues he believes to be responsible for the downturn in the Penzance economy. Of those he lists, which one potentially is likely to have the greater negative impact on Penzance's town centre economy? Is it concern at the possible loss of the Scillonian or is it the 'popular out-of-town stores' or as some might put it, the overprovision of large scale retail businesses which not only draws shoppers away from the town centre, but which also forms part of an unsustainable pattern of development with a high carbon impact. Of course to that we could question the fairness of a decision by the local authority to hike up town centre parking charges while allowing out of town stores to cover acres of land in tarmac, providing free parking for their customers.

Then there are the escalating business rates that Mr Waverly mentions. We do not hear of the large supermarkets complaining about this, well not often anyway. No, because along with their high cash reserves enabling them to soak up any increase in business rates, their greater buying power enabling them to keep prices low, the added attraction to car drivers of free parking on great swathes of tarmac covered land, there is no competition whatsoever. Central government talks and talks about sustainability, low carbon impact, diversity of retail outlets providing consumer choice, fair competition etc, etc, but where is the action one might ask. Central government says local and regional planning bodies will [in future] need to take more account of affordability when determining how many new homes are needed in their area. Can Cornwall's relatively small town centres survive without local planners being given the authority to use a robust set of tests to help them decide if the impact of a planning application for an out of town store will have a greater negative economic impact than a positive one on nearby town centres.
More...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

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People urged to get their objections to link road in to council,
CoSERG, 14 April 2010

Stuart Cullimore, one of three Mebyon Kernow councillors elected onto the Cornwall Council in June last year is urging all those concerned about the compulsory purchase orders (CPO's) associated with the Camborne-Pool-Redruth East-West link road, to call for a public inquiry. He urges anyone wishing to do this, to make sure they get their objections in to Cornwall Council immediately. Objections should be sent to Peter Swain, Major Projects Manager, Cornwall Council, A3 Carrick House, Pydar Steet, Truro, TR1 1EB.
Link to Stuart Cullimore's objections... click here

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£600,000 expansion plan could be scrapped,
This is Cornwall, 8 April 2010

More than £600,000 of tax- payers' money has been spent on expansion plans for Truro which now look set to be abandoned. Proposals to increase the city's population by a third, build 6,400 homes, create 9,500 jobs and cut through countryside south of the city with a £34 million bypass are detailed in the Truro and Threemilestone Area Action Plan (TTAAP). Officers at the former Carrick District Council and Cornwall Council have worked for six years on the blueprint, drawn up to meet housing targets in the Government's Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). But the Conservatives have vowed to scrap the targets if elected on May 6. And now council officers have recommended a 10-year interim plan is put in place instead of continuing with it.

Comment
News of the abandonment of the AAP may give an opportunity to debate the underlying causes of the proposed expansion of the city - namely unrealistic house building targets driven by central Government's obsession with growth. A sustainable Cornwall would require the removal of the Regional Spatial Strategy targets to be replaced with plans to meet local housing need. It would also mean abandoning plans for new roads with funding instead for public transport and encouraging less car traffic generating lifestyle choices.
More...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

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Penwith is in danger of being trapped in the past,
This is Cornwall, 8 April 2010

As the father of two sons under the age of eight, there are weeks when I read The Cornishman and simply want to weep. For too many weeks now we seem to have been fed a diet of complaint and acrimony against harbour developments in Penzance, modern architecture and visible sources of renewable energy in Penzance and the redevelopment of much of Hayle. What all of these projects have in common is that they are designed, in one way or another, to promote sustainable economic development in what is one of the most economically deprived districts (Penwith) of one of the most economically deprived parts of the UK (Cornwall).

For some people who live in Penwith it is their "little bit of heaven" (expensively purchased in some cases!) and they would not live (or at least own a property) anywhere else. They keep an unchanging impression in their minds of how Penwith should be, which seems to look back towards the middle of the 20th century rather than forward into the second decade of the 21st. These people should realise that they, like me, are simply custodians of Penwith and will pass it on someday as an inheritance to our children and grandchildren. But what are we leaving them? Will they be able to stay if they wish or will they simply join those like me who had to leave (for a while at least) for the lack of decent jobs and an economic future?

Comment
The writer of this letter makes some interesting points about development proposals, peoples reactions and why Cornwall needs to move forward. There may well be those who seek to preserve the area as it is, yet it is unwise to assume that all developments proposed are or will promote sustainable economic development. Neither is it correct to assume that all those that object are objecting for no good reason. Plans for Hayle are based on proposed substantial increases in population - hardly sustainable or a means of promoting beneficial economic development. The harbour debate in Penzance was based on where the development should proceed rather than just one of being against a development.

 

'Penwith' certainly cannot continue to be seen as a nice tourist destination and a nice place to move to. Again, ING plans for Hayle are based upon this premise. It needs to move forward, and here renewable energy can play a critical role. In Newlyn the area has the source of what should be a long term sustainable fishing industry with the associated economic spin-offs. Future generations in 'Penwith' certainly deserve good jobs and affordable housing, but it cannot be assumed that accepting any development will achieve this.
More...\\www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

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£8m a year airport windfall anticipated,
Cornish Guardian, 7 April 2010

Newquay's economy could be boosted by up to £8 million per year, if the airport is successful in securing two major contracts. The Cornish Guardian has learned that not only could Newquay be used as a transport hub, linking Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly by British International Helicopters (BIH), but that the company is also set to agree a deal to base its repair and maintenance centre at the airport. The news comes after BIH confirmed the sale of its heliport, in Penzance, to Sainsbury's, and revealed either Newquay or Land's End would be chosen as the base of a new link to the Scillies. County business chiefs have claimed the deal could pour millions into the town in extra jobs and additional tourism revenue. Tim Jones, chairman of Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said: "It's two potentially good news stories for Newquay. If the link with the Scillies happens, I would say it will bring between £5m and £8m into the local economy.

Comment
Whether transferring the Isles of Scilly air link to Newquay from Penzance is debatable - there is the question of the impact on Penzance for one thing. Boosting tourism and air transport in general can also be questioned in terms of sustainability.
More...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

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Roads plan will open business access and boost economy,
Covergence for Economic Transformation, 6 April 2010

A scheme worth more than £8 million scheme to plan major new roads and open up access to businesses in Camborne, Pool and Redruth has been approved for almost £5,335,000 ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence investment.

Note: Convergence is the new European economic regeneration programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly that runs until 2013

Comment
See CoSERG's Commentary...www.cornwallcoserg.org.uk
More...www.convergencecornwall.com

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Lib Dems plan rail expansion by cutting road projects,
BBC News, 5 April 2010

The Liberal Democrats have set out plans to reopen thousands of miles of railway tracks and stations. The scheme would be funded by cutting capital spending on roads by £3bn. Its new Rail Expansion Fund would lead to the biggest expansion of the rail network since the Victorian era, the party claims. Motorists' group the RAC Foundation said it would be a waste of taxpayers' money when only 7% of UK journeys were made by train, compared to 90% by car.

RAC Foundation Prof Stephen Glaister said: "To start cutting the roads budget to expand rail services is unlikely to be the best use of scarce taxpayers' money either in financial terms or by way of serving the vast majority of the population. "The public liability does not just end once new lines are constructed. Rail services are heavily subsidised by the Exchequer." Prof Glaister said building roads could also help the environment because steadily moving traffic produced less carbon dioxide than cars stuck in traffic jams.

Comment
A bold proposal though as the comments make clear unlikely to receive acclaim from the motoring lobby. It is correct that more people journey by car than by train, though this partly reflects post war policies which have made motoring relatively cheap and easy and alternatives difficult and expensive. Rail will not be answer in many situations, though it has an important role to play in alternative policy scenarios. Other public transport also needs investment and it is sometimes possible either to walk or not make the trip at all. It is not of course just the big road projects that encourage car use, very often the 'minor' 'improvements' facilitate and generate traffic.
More...BBC News

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Motoring tax shifts up a gear,
BBC reporter Douglas Fraser blog, 1 April 2010

Despite sitting in their individualised metal boxes, motorists present a formidable collective brake horse power. And with voting intentions to the fore over the next month or so, they've been given plenty more ammunition for complaining. Thursday has seen a rise in petrol tax of 1p per litre, with more to follow later this year and again at the start of next. But there's more. The requirement to include more biofuel in petrol and diesel is increasing at least some suppliers' prices by around 0.8p per litre.

Comment
Government policies on transport have had the unintentional effect of annoying motorists, failing to satisfy other transport users and not improving the environment. A number of reasons underlie these trends. Since 1997, despite some early indications of a change, car use has been encouraged - new roads, wider roads together with development policies that generate traffic. A lack of real investment in alternatives combined with no real attempt to change lifestyles has meant that for many, though not the poorest, cars are a means to an end. If in its early days labour had made it clear that car use had to decline, that alternatives would be made available it might have had a chance to halt then reverse our love affair with the car. Difficult it would have been. The motoring lobby is quite powerful and the media would no doubt have made the most of Government 'hitting the motorist'. But without a change in attitudes, policy and action, we will not succeed in moving towards a more sustainable society. One where we use fewer resources, live in more pleasant environments and have a fairer society. Is it too late to start?
More...www.bbc.co.uk

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