Individual Decision Day - 3 December 2025

The meeting opened with the Leader’s approval of the minutes from the 29 October 2025 session and a statement that no declarations of interest had been made. He highlighted two pending decisions within the Economic Regeneration and Investment Portfolio, noting that the Portfolio Holder was absent due to recent surgery. The Leader also addressed ten public questions concerning the use of rubber‑crumb infill on the new Langarth 3G artificial‑grass pitch. His response outlined the benefits of artificial pitches, confirmed that rubber‑crumb is the current industry standard approved by Government, Sport England, DEFRA and relevant governing bodies, and described the containment measures and drainage design intended to prevent micro‑plastic migration. He added that the pitch is expected to have a ten‑year lifespan and that the rubber‑crumb will be replaced with an alternative material after 2031.

A key decision was taken on the future of Cornwall Airport Newquay (CAN). The Council agreed to enter a new 99‑year lease with Cornwall Airport Limited, setting the rent at market level as determined by an independent consultant and providing for five‑year rent reviews. Delegation was given to the Head of Property to finalise the lease terms after consultation with the Section 151 and Monitoring Officers. The long‑term lease is intended to give the airport operator the certainty needed to pursue commercial and non‑aviation investments, thereby supporting the airport’s contribution of roughly £97 million in Gross Value Added and over 1 100 jobs.

The Transport portfolio holder secured approval to continue the Newquay Phase 2 Active Travel Scheme, which adds a cycle lane and associated pedestrian improvements. The decision is conditional on the outcome of the Traffic Regulation Order statutory consultation and a Value‑for‑Money assessment of the Stage 2 contract price. Mitigation measures for lost car‑parking, including new disabled bays, a loading bay and re‑configured on‑street and, were highlighted as part of the proposal.

In the Housing portfolio, the Council decided to launch an open Expression of Interest for third‑party acquisition of the remaining 37 SoloHaus modular homes. The units, originally purchased in 2021 to meet emergency accommodation needs, are no longer financially viable for Council‑led deployment. The new process will prioritize proposals that deliver affordable or homelessness‑prevention housing, while excluding holiday‑use plans, aiming to reduce ongoing storage costs and keep the assets contributing to Cornwall’s housing objectives.

Finally, the Council adopted the Torpoint and Redruth Neighbourhood Development Plans following successful referenda (88 % and 85 % support respectively). Both plans are now “made” and will form part of the local development plan, guiding future planning decisions in the respective parishes. The Children, Families and Schools portfolio also approved the purchase of a property near Carnon Downs for a directly provided children’s home, citing expected savings compared with private placements and alignment with the Council’s wider strategy to expand in‑house care for vulnerable children.