Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 13 January 2026

The Sustainable Growth & Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee formally approved the minutes of its 11 November 2025 meeting, with Councillor Donnithorne moving and Councillor Gow seconding the resolution. Under delegated powers the Chairman added the “Off Street Parking Order” to the Committee’s work programme, scheduling it for debate at the next formal meeting on 3 March 2026. No declarations of interest were recorded.

On the Council’s surplus‑land housing programme, the Chairman explained that the target of 3 500 homes on 400 acres reflects a conservative density estimate, allowing roughly 30 % of each site for infrastructure, tree canopy, biodiversity net gain and other policy requirements. Where viability permits, the Council aims to deliver at least 50 % affordable housing, including a mix of tenures and social‑rent units. The Housing Cabinet Member later confirmed a £24 million investment over four years for housing improvements, acknowledging that an additional £10 million per year (totaling £40 million) would be required to address damp, mould and decency issues. He also noted that affordable‑housing targets must be balanced against viability assessments, with ongoing discussions with Homes England for extra funding.

Transport matters included a report on the PSO‑subsidised Skybus service between Newquay and Gatwick, which has carried over 2 100 passengers since its 23 November launch but has an average empty‑seat rate of about 80 %. The Committee heard that the service continued despite the sudden loss of the ATR‑72 provider, Blue Islands, and the earlier collapse of Eastern Airways. A separate briefing on the Department for Transport’s Bus Reform Pilot outlined three franchising options—supported‑contract, commercial‑franchise, and shared‑responsibility—alongside an Enhanced Partnership Plus model. The pilot, fully funded, will run until April 2026, after which the Council will decide whether to re‑procure the 2028 bus contract or move toward franchising. The Cabinet Member for Transport also confirmed proposals to allow self‑contained motorhomes to camp overnight in approximately twelve council car parks and to explore longer‑term van‑dwelling sites as alternative housing and revenue options.

Economic and tourism updates were provided by the relevant Cabinet Members. The Global Cornish launch event will be cost‑shared with the Committee, aiming to attract inward investment. Visit Cornwall has entered liquidation; the Council is safeguarding the brand and website while funding short‑term marketing until March 2026, with a sector summit planned for 27 January to shape future governance. Regarding minerals, the Council highlighted existing lithium and tin jobs and significant Government investment in Cornish Lithium, although precise timelines remain uncertain. Finally, while business rates are set by Government, the Council can offer discretionary reliefs and will relay concerns about upcoming rate hikes to the central authorities.