Individual Decision Day - 2 September 2026

A meeting of Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on [date not provided] addressed several key decisions, including a land swap to enable a new Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) for Newquay, the renewal of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on alcohol, and the establishment of a formal partnership with Homes England to accelerate housing delivery.

**Land swap for Newquay HWRC approved following debate on valuation**

Cabinet approved a freehold land swap between the Council and the Duchy of Cornwall to deliver a new HWRC at Hendra, replacing the ageing Trevenson Road facility. The Council will transfer the existing site to the Duchy and acquire land at Hendra, adjacent to the Newquay Strategic Route, at no overall cost to the Council. A member questioned the apparent difference in land valuations (£500,000 for Trevenson Road versus £250,000 for Hendra), seeking evidence that taxpayers were fully compensated. Officers responded that the transaction could not be assessed solely on headline valuations, as securing a suitable site for a modern waste facility in a strategic location with limited planning risk delivered significant long-term benefits. The new facility is funded through the existing PFI contract, with contractor mobilisation expected in Autumn 2026 and arrangements in place to avoid service interruption.

**Commercial income schemes and highways maintenance update**

Cabinet delegated authority to procure suppliers for new commercial licences on Council-owned land, including the Camel Trail Cycle Hire, water-based activities, pop-up licences, and a pilot for advertising on selected highways and public realm assets. This aims to generate additional revenue of £0.150m per year by 2029/30, building on current annual income of £0.243m. Separately, Cabinet approved the submission of the 2026/27 Highways Maintenance Transparency Report to the Department for Transport. Discussion highlighted a shift towards preventative maintenance and noted that exceptionally wet weather had led to defect repair levels two to three times higher than a typical winter. A member raised concerns about blocked drains causing flooding, and officers confirmed that drainage works formed part of the preventative programme.

**Licensing of Visit Cornwall assets and PSPO renewal**

Cabinet approved licensing the Council’s Visit Cornwall brand and associated intangible assets to a newly formed industry-led destination management organisation, Cornwall Visitor Alliance Ltd, for an initial two-year period with a possible two-year extension. The Council retains ownership of the assets. The licence includes safeguards on governance, performance, and termination rights. Cabinet also supported the renewal of the countywide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on alcohol consumption in designated public places for a further three years, with evidence-led amendments following public consultation. The Order remains behaviour-led, targeting anti-social behaviour rather than responsible drinking.

**Fire Service KPIs, farm disposals, and housing partnership**

Cabinet approved a framework of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, aligned with the Community Risk Management Plan, to provide transparent tracking of performance across five priorities. Two farm disposals were approved: the sale of Windmill Farm, Lower Penponds, with retention of most land for agricultural rental, and the sale of Menerdue Farm, Carnmenellis, with the Council seeking planning permission on barns to maximise value. A local member raised concerns about consultation on the Windmill Farm decision, and officers apologised, providing written responses during the meeting. Finally, Cabinet endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a ‘Place Partnership’ with Homes England, the third such partnership in the UK, to accelerate housing delivery. Some members questioned the confidential nature of the MoU, but the Portfolio Holder confirmed it could be scrutinised confidentially and that Homes England would not dictate which sites are used for housing.