Individual Decision Day - 25 February 2026

**Member support and training** – The meeting began with a closed‑session item concerning the provision of mobile phones and related technology for councillors. The Constitution and Governance Committee confirmed that existing mechanisms already allow phones or other devices to be issued where safeguarding, health or accessibility needs exist, but many members were unaware of these options. Training sessions on Microsoft Teams, privacy, security and work‑life balance were delivered and recorded in the Members’ Handbook. A formal business‑case process for exceptional circumstances was highlighted as having been used successfully. Members raised concerns about the inability to disconnect from council business and about limited connectivity in rural areas, while the Portfolio Holder for Resources noted a budget aim to reduce unnecessary phone issues and stressed that members should not be expected to be available at all times.

**Northill Blackwater housing scheme** – The Council’s housing company presented an update on a semi‑rural development of 32 bungalows, 50 % of which are affordable. The scheme, approved in 2020 and positively decided in 2023, remains unchanged despite inflation‑driven cost increases. It is deemed to add value to the council’s housing pipeline, meet local demand for affordable homes, and provide good short‑term returns and long‑term income. Members discussed the scale of the development relative to the village of Blackwater, the decision to retain a 50 % affordable‑housing proportion, and the higher cost of bungalow construction, concluding that the product matches local needs and demand.

**Dog‑beach seasonal restrictions** – A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that imposes seasonal dog‑restriction limits on 46 beaches and three conservation areas is due to expire in April 2026. A 2025 public consultation (6 654 responses) showed overall support for the restrictions, with dog owners favouring reductions and non‑dog owners preferring increases. The Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee endorsed a renewal that retains the existing restrictions, allows flexibility for Blue‑Flag beaches, and incorporates guidance from the Local Government Association. The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Health confirmed that the new PSPO will be adopted by the Cabinet Member for the same portfolio.

**Housing growth and Newquay acquisition** – The Cornwall Housing Growth Prospectus 2026‑27, endorsed by the Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee, outlines an eight‑point plan to meet the council’s increased target of 4 421 homes per year. Discussions addressed the future of the construction‑skills hub, brown‑field grant access and the need for continued strategic funding. In a separate item, the Council approved the acquisition of up to seven new‑build one‑bedroom homes in Newquay, all built to Nationally Described Space Standards, with a freehold and a 10‑year NHBC warranty. The homes will be held in the Housing Revenue Account for general‑needs accommodation and are expected to be allocated to eligible residents shortly after compliance checks.

**Heartlands lease and Mid Cornwall Metro** – The Council confirmed its intention, in principle, to enter a 30‑year lease with the National Trust for the majority of the Heartlands site, retaining responsibility for residential flats and the district‑heating system. The lease includes a five‑year break clause and a one‑off capital contribution of £450 000 for repairs, with further external funding to be pursued. In transport, the Mid Cornwall Metro project secured £49.995 million of Levelling‑Up Funding, matching council and other contributions to a £57 million programme. The Council agreed to progress detailed design and construction of an accessible lift bridge at Par railway station through an Implementation Agreement with Network Rail, alongside other rail‑infrastructure and active‑travel improvements slated for delivery from spring 2026.