Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 16 June 2026

At the meeting of the Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Donnithorne was elected as Chairman and Councillor Gow as Vice-Chairman. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and signed. No declarations of interest were made, and there were no public questions.

The committee questioned the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Investment on the Evergreen Fund. Key principles were clarified, including three funding priorities: town centre viability, community-based schemes, and commercial funding for business expansion. Members raised concerns about affordable housing delivery, the potential reintroduction of an investment panel for scrutiny, and the need for clearer monitoring of financial returns versus wider priorities. The Chairman noted he had requested a report from the Leader on the investment panel issue.

Discussion on the committee’s draft Work Programme for 2026/27 resulted in several adjustments. Items agreed for the year included the airport, highways, the Local Plan, bus networks, road defect programmes, the Evergreen Fund, and parking charges. Members emphasised the need for stronger focus on employment and job creation, better alignment with the Cornwall Growth Board, and improved scrutiny of housing viability. It was agreed that a Mini Inquiry Day on Infrastructure Capacity would replace a previously scheduled Local Plan item in September 2026.

The committee received and endorsed the final report of the Task and Finish Group on the Council Farms Service and Estate. Key recommendations included improving financial performance, maintaining the estate’s overall size, and allocating 100 acres for affordable housing. Officers confirmed that implementation would balance budget requirements with delivery, noting recent lettings to new entrants and progressing tenants. Members stressed the need for annual reporting and clearer measurement of benefits to the wider Cornish community, including sustainable food production and broader growth opportunities.

No matters were considered as urgent. The committee’s recommendations on the farms estate are to be submitted to Cabinet for endorsement.