Individual Decision Day - 29 October 2025

The council recorded no declarations of interest and received a single public question concerning the proposed sale of agricultural land. Mr G Smith of St Mabyn asked why more than 935 acres of farmland were being rushed through without consultant work. The Leader clarified that the items on the agenda did not involve a 935‑acre sale but rather decisions on farmhouses, farm buildings and adjoining parcels totalling 127 acres (1.2 % of the Farms Estate). He noted that the Farm Strategy allows limited land release while aiming to retain the estate’s overall size, and that assessments balanced food production, woodland, and market‑price considerations. No consultants have been instructed to work on the future of the Council Farms Service.

The Strategic Director for Sustainable Growth and Place presented a proposal for Cornwall Council to enter a non‑binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with neighbouring authorities to maximise regional benefits from the UK government’s increased defence investment centred on Devonport, Plymouth. The MoU, still confidential pending negotiations, outlines collaborative commitments for employment, housing, and skills development for up to 10 000 jobs over the next decade. During discussion, members raised concerns that the MoU could be viewed as a step toward a Mayoral authority and that its wording should not conflict with Cornwall’s Fifth Nation devolution plans. It was agreed to review the MoU language, give Group Leaders a chance to challenge its content, and monitor economic impact through defined metrics. The Leader approved the principle of entering the MoU.

An urgent item concerned a Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) grant to fund a Youth Transformation Pilot. The Service Director for Children and Families Services explained that Cornwall had been selected as one of twelve national pilot sites after a rigorous selection and peer‑review process. The pilot, co‑produced with voluntary and community partners, builds on existing strengths such as integrated youth workers, a youth‑work apprenticeship with Marjon University, and strong links with providers like Carefree. The Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Schools and the Chairman of the Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee both expressed full support. The Leader approved receipt of a revenue grant of up to £677,664.36 and the creation of 12‑month posts funded by the grant, with the possibility of future extensions or integration into core services.

The bulk of the meeting dealt with the rationalisation and release of several Council farm assets. The Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment responded to five public questions about farm disposals, confirming that the proposals involve 127 acres of land and do not breach the County Farms Strategy 2019‑2039. All assets were assessed by property professionals based on summer‑2025 market values, and disposals will follow the public disposal route (agents, informal tender, or auction) without restrictive covenants on agricultural use. Decisions were taken to declare the following properties surplus and to delegate authority to the Head of Property & Assets (in consultation with the Interim Service Director for Economy, Regeneration and Assets and the Monitoring Officer) to determine disposal method, sale price, and terms in line with the Code of Practice for Land and Property Transactions: - Lower Trebarrow Farmhouse (130 acres) – Saltash

- Resparveth (West) Farmhouse (95 acres) – 

- Treburthes at Ruan Highlanes (180 acres) – Ruan

- Treneath Farmhouse (65 acres) – Liskeard

- Meudon Farmhouse (114 acres) – Falmouth

- Barwick and Furda Farms Estate (120 acres) – Tregony

- Coosewartha Farm (114 acres) – St Agnes

Overall, the council approved the MoU principle, accepted the youth‑transformation grant