Cornish Social & Economic Research Group
» News Archive » News Sep - Oct 2009
_______________________________________________Business Development Manager for CRP Regeneration,
Trelawney Alliance, 21 October 2009
At a recent meeting of the Trelawney Alliance committee, Mark Smith, the Business Development Manager for CRP Regeneration (Urban Regeneration Company Ltd) gave a presentation on the Dudnance Lane/South Crofty Development Framework.
For more...trelawney-alliance.org
_______________________________________________
Plans U-turn keeps people 'in the dark',
This is Cornwall, 20 October 2009
Planning chiefs have made a U-turn this week after dismissing calls for more planning applications to be advertised in local newspapers. Cornwall Council has been accused of "trying to keep residents in the dark" after a poll by the Cornish Guardian revealed about half turned to the local press. Councillors all over Cornwall have said they have received complaints from the people they represent who want to see all planning notices placed in local newspapers. Following public pressure Cornwall Council in July promised to review a decision taken by the implementation executive, which set up the new council structure, to reduce the number of applications advertised in newspapers such as the Cornish Guardian and The West Briton.
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Dismay over wind farm approval,
This is Cornwall, 20 October 2009
Britain's oldest national conservation body, The Open Spaces Society says it is dismayed Cornwall County councillors have overturned the advice of their officers and approved plans to build 20 wind turbines, each 126.5-metres high, at Davidstow Wood, near Camelford. The society was among the many objectors, which included the Ramblers. Kate Ashbrook, the society's general secretary said: "We deplore this decision, which appears to ignore the advice of the professionals."
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
Otterham turbines also win approval,
This is Cornwall, 20 October 2009
Cornwall Council's Strategic Planning Committee also approved two further applications for wind turbines at its recent meeting in Camelford. Following a lengthy debate, which led to the approval of 20 wind turbines for Community Windpower, quicker decisions were made on a total of five wind turbines in the parish of Otterham. The Otterham turbines were split between two separate applications which were both approved. One was made by Windelectric Management who sought to erect four 71-metre high turbines and a second application was made by Mr M Quinn for one turbine of the same height.
Alan Goodenough speaking for GAWP ( Group Against Windfarm Proliferation) opposed both applications stating the four wind turbines would add to the existing wind farms in the north Cornwall area creating a " turbine alley." He claimed the proposed single turbine would "degrade the landscape".
More on this...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
Comment
Wind farm applications raise a number of issues - how much of a contribution can they make to renewable energy? Where should they be located? Who should operate them?
On balance we need to exploit our renewable energy resources and areas such as this may be appropriate. We cannot continue to divide Cornwall into the 'protected' and 'unprotected' areas.
_______________________________________________
Hot Rocks renewable energy could be brought to Cornwall,
This is Cornwall, 15 October 2009
The Redruth area could become the home of the first commercial scale geothermal power plant in the UK. Geothermal Engineering Ltd announced plans this week to develop 'hot rock' energy on a site on an industrial estate at St Day. The plant would provide 10 megawatts of electricity to the National Grid and up to 55 megawatts of renewable heat for use locally. Geothermal systems use the earth's natural heat as a power source. Five-kilometre deep holes would be drilled in to the ground at St Day to reach rocks with a temperature in excess of 170 degrees centigrade. Water would be pumped into the rock, returning to the surface as hot water or steam, which would be used to power turbines to generate electricity and also provide renewable heat. Geothermal Engineering Ltd was set up in 2008 by Ryan Law. The company's technical board includes Tony Batchelor, who ran the original Hot Rocks project in Cornwall that was in operation between 1976 and 1991.
The company is holding a public exhibition of its proposals at Mill's Hall, Carharrack on Tuesday, October 27, from 3pm to 8pm and on Wednesday, October 28, from 9am to 1pm.
Comment
Good news on the renewable energy front?
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
300 people attend climate event,
This is Cornwall, 14 October 2009
Experts, environmental groups and local people gave their views on climate change at an event in Truro Cathedral on Friday attended by over 300 people. The event had been put together by Canon Philip Lambert of Truro Cathedral, and co-ordinator of the Footsteps to Copenhagen project Luci Scholes. Speakers included Cornish Euro-MP Graham Watson, climate archaeologist Dr Stephan Harrison and climate campaigner Nancy Biscoe. Speakers included Helena Nightingale, of the Integrated Village Development Trust in India, Charlie Nicholson, of Camp Kernow, Cornish eco-activist Wiz Baines and Russell Geake. Tim German ended the event with the message "It's not all doom and gloom." Graham Watson said: "From what we saw and heard in the Cathedral on Friday night, the people of Cornwall have some strong views about climate change. Although the focus in December will be on the likes of Obama and Brown, it will be local communities who lead the fight against this challenge. "Climate change is often described as a global problem, but it is a local issue. Its effects will be felt in Cornish towns and villages, but these communities will also play a key role in tackling the problem." Marches in support of the Cornwall effort to halt climate change are being held across the county in the next two weeks.
Comment
What is needed now is to translate words into action, working across a range of areas to reduce carbon output. Cornish communities need to work together, setting sustainable development targets, reducing car and air traffic and changing lifestyles.
For more details visit...www.trurocathedral.org.uk
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Protesters in alliance move to fight plans to build 70,000 new homes throughout Cornwall,
This is Cornwall, 14 October 2009
Protesters have formed an alliance to oppose government plans to build 70,000 new homes in Cornwall. Groups from across the county came together in Truro on Thursday to plan their fight against the South West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), which sets development targets for the next 17 years. Under the plans, which campaigners have branded 'disastrous' and 'unsustainable', the Government proposes 10,900 new homes in the former Carrick District Council area, including nearly 7,000 in Truro. A further 15,700 new homes are envisaged for Restormel, 14,400 for Kerrier, 13,400 in North Cornwall, 7,800 in Penwith, and 6,000 in Caradon. Truro councillor Bert Biscoe, who introduced the meeting on behalf of the campaign group Truro Concern, said: "The RSS is outlandish. We should be reducing the pace and volume of population growth, not increasing it."
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
SITA waste site could be set for expansion,
This is Cornwall, 13 October 2009
A disused South East Cornwall landfill site could soon become the home of Cornwall's 300,000 tonnes of waste if expansion plans are given the go ahead. Management company Sita Cornwall wants to reopen the site at Connon Bridge, East Taphouse, to landfill waste and increase its capacity by 66%. It would mean up to 110 lorries from across Cornwall moving in and out of the landfill site depositing tonnes of waste each day. The site was temporarily closed in December 2007 to make best use of the available space at United Mines landfill, Redruth, before it closes in October next year. Currently waste is only accepted at the transfer station at Connon Bridge where it is transferred to Redruth. But if the expansion goes ahead, the site near Liskeard would accommodate waste from households and businesses all over the county. Cornwall produces approximately 300,000 tonnes of rubbish each year. "Householders and businesses can't recycle everything and although the role of landfill is reducing, some of Cornwall's waste will still need to be managed in this way."
Comment
Not everything can be recycled, agreed, but we could and should recycle more and government could take a lead in cutting excessive packaging.
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Voice heard in ferry terminal debate,
This is Cornwall, 10 October 2009
Astonishing scenes were played out last night as residents of Penzance turned out in force to voice their concerns over plans to build a new ferry terminal. There was standing room only at St John's Hall when the capacity of 400 was quickly breached, followed by scenes of vocal disappointment by those denied access. At one point, Andrew George, the MP who called and chaired the meeting, went to the door of the hall to reassure the 100 or so people outside that they would get their say.
Mr George said he was staggered by the turnout, especially given the murky, wet weather which drew in over Penzance in the evening. But, he said, it remained a testament to how deeply people felt about the plans for the harbour and the future of the iconic ferry link between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.
For more:www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Company report reveals Hayle harbour firm is running at an annual loss of more than £424k,
This is Cornwall, 8 October 2009
The company which runs Hayle harbour is operating at a huge loss and being propped up by developers ING, it has emerged. Members of the town's residents' group claimed the company has no exit strategy and are concerned that council tax-payers will be forced to pick up the pieces when the Dutch multinational moves on. Figures obtained from Companies House show that Hayle Harbour Management Ltd is running an annual loss of more than £424,000. A profit and loss account for the end of 2007 includes a 'sundry expense' of £276,798 against a turnover of just £53,468.
Comment
Hayle harbour is essential to the future of the town. Maritime development is required which will ensure its profitability. Whether a housing led development can do this is debatable.
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Tories would relax housing rules,
This is Cornwall, 7 October 2009
A Conservative Government would relax planning rules to make it easier for villagers to build their own homes to help solve the rural housing crisis, the shadow housing minister told the Tory conference yesterday. Grant Shapps said the party would grant powers to allow villages to expand by 10 per cent over 10 years if it won the General Election next year. He said the Government's "top-down Soviet style targets" were not working, and re-iterated promises to dump "pointless" housing targets. Under current arrangements, rural communities are restricted from building by a small development footprint and the planning system's heavy emphasis on developing brownfield sites. But the Tory plans would give villagers the power to hold parish-level referendums to decide whether they want to increase the size of the village - in effect letting communities grant themselves planning permission.
Comment
Interesting ideas, though there is a need for more fundamental reforms of the planning system and housing 'market.' Indeed, unless some of the underlying causes of the house price/affordability mismatch are dealt with, housing affordability will continue to plague Cornwall. Reducing disparities in income and wealth are essential here - bankers bonuses are only one part of the problem.
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Wind farm battle on brink of being won,
This is Cornwall, 7 October 2009
A two-year battle to stop Cornwall's tallest wind turbines dominating Bodmin Moor is on the brink of being won. Cornwall Council's planning officers have urged members of the strategic planning committee to reject the plan for 20 turbines at Davidstow when they meet to determine the application by Community Wind Power on Tuesday night. But the same officers have dealt a blow to objectors fighting to prevent more turbines being built at nearby Otterham, with a recommendation to approve that bid. North Cornwall has been targeted by wind energy companies over the years and there is now a cluster of four bids still to be determined. Officers say supporting one scheme is likely to have repercussions for others nearby. Councillors will be told next week they should refuse the 126-metre high turbines as they will have a harmful impact on the important landmark sites of Rough Tor and Brown Willy, the two highest peaks in the county. Campaign group STINC (Stop Turbines In North Cornwall) have urged people to swamp the planning meeting in Camelford on Tuesday.
Comment
Should Cornwall exploit its potential for renewable energy? Are certain areas sacrosanct? There is a need to resolve these issues.
For more... www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Meeting to address superstore proposals,
This is Cornwall, 7 October 2009
A campaign group trying to block any supermarkets opening in Wadebridge is to stage a public meeting. Lovewadebridge.com has already collected more than 2,000 signatures on a petition concentrating on stopping Sainsbury's building on the current Cornwall Council offices at Higher Trenant. A public meeting is to be held at the Town Hall on Friday October 30, chaired by Dan Rogerson MP. The protestors fear that the sale of the building is imminent, but Cornwall Council denies this. Campaigner Tino Rawnsley said: "It would be disgraceful if they are rushing through a sale against the wishes of the people of the area. At least they should wait and hear what people really think."
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Flagship site is sold on for one fifth of its 2008 value,
This is Cornwall, 6 October 2009
A prime piece of Newquay estate land has been sold on to new developers for about £1 million - a fifth of what it was believed to have been worth last year. The flagship Woodlands site, in Pentire, has been snapped up by an as yet unnamed Bristol-based developer. The Woodlands - which has planning permission for 18 high-end luxury apartments overlooking the River Gannel - was part of the Penpol Group property empire. Spearheaded by Penpol chief Steve Beasant, the site was one of several transferred into the hands of insolvency firms, following the confirmation of his bankruptcy earlier this year.
Comment
Another example of more unaffordable housing!!! This news item only highlights the need to change the planning system to ensure that land developed for housing is for housing need, not luxury demand.
For more....www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Tesco's plans for expansion get mixed public response,
This is Cornwall, 6 October 2009
Hundreds of shoppers went to Tesco in Holmbush, St Austell, to view and comment on the superstore's expansion plans. A team of Tesco officials explained the basic plans which were outlined on billboards at the store's entrance. Under the proposals - which gained a mixed public reaction - a new car park would be built on the site currently used by Totem Timber, who are due to relocate nearby. There are also plans for a new road system giving access to the store. This would be governed by traffic lights instead of the current mini roundabout. Pedestrianised walkway and footbridge are also proposed. The supermarket, which opened in 1997, currently covers 27,000sq ft. The plans show that the new Extra store would more than double its size to 63,000sq ft, allowing it to stock more items, including a clothing range and a film and music section.
Comment
Some important questions here - is Tesco looking forward to the new 'eco-town'? what impact would the new store have on other retailers? What would be the impact on traffic, will more traffic be generated?
There is another fundamental question here, which we have highlighted in relation to other consultations, should there be a new format for consultation processes? What we have at the moment is a process whereby the developer or proposer of a plan organises an exhibition which explains what the development is about and what the advantages of the development would be. Visitors are then asked to comment on the proposals. This process is flawed in that only one view is put forward. The public is asked to comment without being given alternative options or any critique of the proposals. Such an approach cannot allow for a full and informed debate.
What is the alternative? A process which would allow the developer/proposer to bring forward their ideas, while at the same time allow other groups to present critiques/alternatives is required. Only after this initial stage would the public actually comment on the proposals.
For more....www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Downturn is 'climate opportunity'
BBC News, 6 October 2009
The global recession provides a window of opportunity to curb climate change and build a low-carbon future, says the International Energy Agency (IEA). It calculates that global greenhouse gas emissions will fall by 3% this year - an increase on previous estimates. If governments take this opportunity to invest in clean technology, the global temperature rise can be kept below the G8 goal of 2C (3.6F), the agency says. The findings were released at UN climate talks in Bangkok. "The message is simple and stark: if the world continues on the basis of today's energy and climate policies, the consequences of climate change will be severe," said IEA executive director Nobuo Tanaka.
For more...news.bbc.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Village in shock as waste tip set to stay,
This is Cornwall, 1 October 2009
Villagers were left in shock this week after discovering that a promise to close a tip on their doorstep next year may not be honoured. Residents have put up with a 40 years of noise and smells and an endless stream of dust carts, heavy lorries and cars carrying waste to the site. People of Carharrack and St Day expected the site to be closed in October 2010, putting an end to their nightmare. But now they have discovered that Cornwall Council has begun a feasibility study to use part of the United Downs site as a waste transfer station and a recycling centre, meaning it would still deal with thousands of tons of waste.
Comment
Residents of Carharrack and St. Day are understandably disappointed over news that the tip may continue to operate. Very few, if any, communities would want a landfill site on their doorstep. But who should we blame? The problem is that too few people recycle, despite the opportunities available. There is also too much packaging - for example all the plastic around food. Unless we all cut down our waste, someone somewhere will have a tip (or incinerator) near them!
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
City's largest development in decades will provide jobs,
This is Cornwall, 30 September 2009
.jpg)
Comment
So Truro will expand again. Is this proposal linked to the growth point plans or another scheme by developers to exploit the governments emasculation of planning policy?
- Will the new jobs meet existing need or 'justify' extra housing?
- How much traffic will the development generate?
- Why is the site available - are the current users relocating?
- Is this an example of the property market in action, where by making the right deals, substantial profits can be made without considering the impact on the community and wider environment?
For more....www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
Shopping village has submitted fresh plans for expansion,
This is Cornwall, 30 September 2009
Kingsley Village shopping centre has put forward fresh plans to extend the retail park and create a new conference facility. The centre, based off the A30 at Fraddon, has submitted new plans to Cornwall Council, which would see a basement turned into retail use as well as a purpose-built conference centre at The Warehouse. The new applications to extend the site come two months after owners saw similar plans rejected by Cornwall Council's planning committee, by a single vote. The council was split over claims that the expansion would be detrimental to Newquay town centre. Kingsley owner John Marshall, said: "It was very disappointing to see it refused by the council. But expansion is vital. "We need to expand as the business is growing rapidly. We can't stand still. "It's exciting times for us as we continue to grow. We just need the support from the council to allow us to realise our full potential."
Comment
There are some fundamental issues here which go to the heart of how sustainable Cornwall is and will be, and how committed we are to dealing with the causes of climate change.
This is an out of town location. It is dependent on car use. Growth will encourage car use in Cornwall. It is not a sustainable option, indeed it is one of the least sustainable options possible. St Enoder Parish needs to consider the impact of the development on the wider community and environment rather than see the development as some sort of status symbol.
Tough on climate change, tough on the causes of climate change.
For more.... www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
________________________________________________
How climate change will affect lives in Cornwall,
This is Cornwall, 29 September 2009
Many people look at climate change as something which is happening elsewhere, an issue which has little effect on us in Cornwall. They say there is little we can do to avert the dangers that rising sea levels and floods can bring to us. However, a new group spearheaded by Truro Cathedral, is saying that something can be done, and quickly. The Footsteps to Copenhagen Project, is asking everyone to sign a document they are calling the Cornish Declaration. The Cornish Declaration is being launched at Truro Cathedral at a special event on October 9, when a number of specialist speakers will give their views and lead discussions on how climate change will affect Cornwall. The project has a Wellington boot as its symbol to warn people of rising sea levels and the danger of flooding. The West Briton is among the organisations supporting the efforts to get people engaged and switched on.
Comment
There is certainly a need to pressurise Government to do more, yet Governments are not prepared to take the necessary measures, partly because they fear a public backlash against some policy options. To sign a pledge to cut carbon is the easy bit, the hard bit is actually doing something - like not flying, cutting car use, consuming less. There is a role for Government - not supporting airport expansion (indeed cutting flights, particularly internal flights), not building or expanding roads and by investing in public transport, making car use more expensive, investing in alternative energy. A symbolic yet useful step would be for ministers to reduce their travel, if they don't, others won't! Local government and businesses also have a role to play. And individuals can make their own changes including pressurising government to make some of the changes outlined above.
There is a crisis. More news is released about how much greenhouse gases we emit due to our demands in the UK. But policy continues as before. We are encouraged to fly more, use our cars just as we were before.
For more....www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
________________________________________________
Angry residents attend meeting after revelation,
This is Cornwall, 29 September 2009
Recent revelations about negotiations between the developers of Carlyon Bay and Cornwall Council impelled more than the usual amount of angry residents to attend a parish council meeting. Heated residents with united opinions against plans for the biggest development Carlyon Bay has ever seen, a £250 million holiday village, attended Carlyon's parish council meeting to voice concerns to councillors. Years of planning delays have forced Commercial Estates Group (CEG), which has worked closely with Ampersand on the project, to look at alternative options for the luxury scheme, which would go down in history as being the biggest private sector investment in Cornwall.
Comment
Just what cornwall needs, more luxury apartments!
For more.....www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
________________________________________________
Controversial homes plan is to be reassessed,
This is Cornwall, 29 September 2009
A controversial masterplan which gives Government targets for the number of homes to be built in Cornwall over the next 17 years is set to be reassessed for how sustainable the proposals are. The South West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) has come under fire from councillors and MPs in Cornwall as well as thousands of local residents after it detailed plans for 70,000 homes to be built across the Duchy. The document, which is supposed to span 20 years from 2006 to 2026, has been put on hold several times, most recently after a successful legal challenge was made against the RSS for the east of England. A High Court judgement ruled that the sustainability appraisal of the east RSS had failed to test alternatives to two proposals. As a result the Government has approved plans to carry out a further appraisal of the south west RSS and whether the proposals are the most sustainable way forward for the region.
Comment
Some readers might now think that Mr Gilbert has been reading items on this website! As we have said before the RSS targets are unnecessary, unsustainable and undesirable.
For more...www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
_______________________________________________
TOP OF PAGE