This week in Cornwall:

• The West Sub-Area Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss planning applications for residential developments in Stithians, The Lizard, and Heamoor.
• The Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting was scheduled, but there is no transcript available.

West Sub-Area Planning Committee - 28 April 2025

The West Sub-Area Planning Committee was scheduled to meet on Monday 28 April 2025 to consider several planning applications and a list of planning appeal decisions.

John Daniels Adult Training Centre

An outline planning application for the John Daniels Adult Training Centre on Roscadghill Road, Heamoor, was submitted by Cornwall Council. The application sought permission for the construction of up to 72 extra care apartments¹ and associated works, with matters of appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale reserved for later consideration.

Councillor Andrew George CC called the application to committee, raising concerns that the proposal contradicts the Neighbourhood Plan, which seeks to maximise affordable homes to meet local need, while this application seeks to secure the minimum proportion of affordable homes required under the local plan. Councillor George also raised concerns that the proposal is not in line with the proposal as presented for community consultation.

The application documents note that the Cornwall Supported and Specialist Housing Strategy 2023-2050 identifies the demand for extra care in West Cornwall as an additional 359 flats required by 2028, with 50% affordable housing and 50% for the private market.

Land South Of 6 Cross Common

An outline planning application, with all matters reserved except access, was submitted by Mr J Barowsky & Miss E Hall for the construction of a detached dwelling on Land South Of 6 Cross Common, Cross Common, The Lizard.

Councillor Anthony Soady CC called the application to committee because he considered that the application would deliver a much needed additional dwelling within a housing crisis and that a suitably designed single storey building would not result in significant negative visual impact or overlooking.

Former Aquatic Shop, Stithians

Mr J Burley submitted a full application for the conversion of a stone and concrete former aquatics shop building with side extension to form a single dwelling house at the Former Aquatic Shop, Stithians.

Councillor John Thomas MBE CC called the application to committee because he considered the design to be acceptable.

Planning Appeals

The committee was also scheduled to note a list of planning appeal decisions received, of appeals lodged, and dates of public inquiries.

Licensing Act Sub Committee - 30 April 2025

The Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting was scheduled, but no transcript or minutes are available.

This week in Cornwall:

• The Chief Officers Employment Committee discussed senior leadership arrangements and the year-end appraisal of the Chief Executive.
• The Standards Committee agreed to recommend that non-compliance with mandatory training should be a breach of the Code of Conduct.
• The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee was scheduled to discuss Hackney Carriage licences, and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence reviews and applications.

Chief Officers Employment Committee - 23 April 2025

The Chief Officers Employment Committee of Cornwall Council met on Wednesday 23 April 2025 to discuss senior leadership arrangements and the year-end appraisal of the Chief Executive. The committee was scheduled to discuss and comment on the assessment of the Chief Executive's contribution and progress against objectives, as well as consider and approve recruitment to the new role of Strategic Director - Community Wellbeing. Some of the discussion was scheduled to take place in closed session due to the sensitive nature of the information.

Senior Leadership Team Arrangements

The committee was scheduled to review proposals and approve the recruitment of a new Strategic Director role of Community Wellbeing, in place of the Strategic Director for Neighbourhoods role, after the current postholder leaves in July 2025. According to the report pack:

The creation of the new Strategic Director – Community Wellbeing will result in the rebalancing of Strategic Director portfolios and some changes in responsibilities. The detail of these changes will be discussed by COEC members in closed session.

The Strategic Director for Community Wellbeing would be part of the senior leadership team, and would provide senior officer leadership and management for a range of strategic and operational service delivery.

It was intended that the Strategic Director for Community Wellbeing would also hold the statutory responsibility of the Director of Public Health. The Faculty of Public Health would be engaged at every step of the recruitment process in line with their statutory role. The committee was scheduled to discuss alternative arrangements to ensure that the council meets its obligations, noting that this is a challenging role to recruit to.

The process for the recruitment to the post of Strategic Director for Community Wellbeing would be led by the Chief People Officer and supported by an external recruitment partner. Any appointment to the statutory responsibilities of the Director of Public Health must also be overseen by the rules set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Year-End Appraisal of the Chief Executive

The committee was scheduled to consider an exempt report from Linda Taylor, Leader of the Council, in respect of the end of year assessment of the Chief Executive’s contribution and progress against objectives for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

The role of the committee was to comment on the assessment of the Chief Executive’s contribution over the reporting year. It was agreed by the committee on 22 November 2024 that the priorities for 2025/26 would be set following the May elections.

According to the report pack, in accordance with best practice across other Councils, an external facilitator has been appointed to support the annual appraisal process, and that the external facilitator met with Group Leaders as part of their contribution to the final report.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The committee was asked to consider a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the business specified in the agenda, on the grounds that there was likely to be a disclosure to the public of exempt information of the following descriptions:

• Information relating to an individual
• Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual

The report pack stated that there had been compliance with the public interest test provisions in the Local Government Act 1972, in producing this report.

Standards Committee - 24 April 2025

The Standards Committee of Cornwall Council met to discuss organisational complaints and mandatory member training, agreeing to recommendations that aim to improve the handling of complaints and ensure councillors comply with training requirements. The committee supported a recommendation to Full Council that non-compliance with mandatory training should be a breach of the Code of Conduct¹.

Mandatory Member Training

The committee followed up on a previous discussion about mandatory training for councillors, specifically addressing a recommendation from the Constitution and Governance Committee that failure to undertake mandatory training should be a breach of the Code of Conduct.

The Monitoring Officer presented a report and briefing paper from a working group that had been established to review the Code of Conduct, which outlined how the policy could be implemented.

The working group had agreed that mandatory training related to taking up seats or roles on committees should be left to self-police, with the Code of Conduct breach provisions relating to other mandatory training requirements.

The recommendations of the working group were:

• The Code of Conduct should be updated to reflect that failure to complete mandatory training is a breach.
• The council's procedures should be updated to reflect that the council will not accept complaints from the public or other members relating to non-compliance with mandatory training requirements.
• Compliance/non-compliance with mandatory training requirements should be routinely reported to the committee.
• A review of the operation of the arrangements should be undertaken by the Monitoring Officer or their nominee(s).
• Authority should be delegated to the Monitoring Officer to ensure that mandatory training requirements are appropriately communicated to members, to determine the arrangements for monitoring compliance/non-compliance, to determine the method and frequency of reporting on compliance/non-compliance, and to engage with group leaders to secure their support to enforce the measures related to mandatory training for members.

The committee agreed to support the recommendations, with Councillor Paul Wills stating that the changes should take effect as soon as possible, with the intention to get the recommendation to council to the AGM in May so that the Code can be updated without delay.

Organisational Complaints Report

The committee reviewed the Organisational Complaints Report for Quarter 3 of 2024-2025, which included an overview of complaints received by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO)², as well as complaints made directly to the council.

The report noted that 42 complaints were made to the LGSCO during the reporting period, compared to 36 in the previous quarter. The highest number of complaints related to Environment, Growth and Development (EGD) and Together for Families (TFF).

The report also provided an overview of the areas receiving the highest number of Step 1 complaints³ for Quarter 3 2024/25:

• Regulatory Services - 471
• Connectivity & Environment - 46
• Education - 46
• Customer & Business Operations - 40
• Community Services - 35

The report included examples of complaints received, as well as compliments and comments about the council. One example of a complaint was from a resident who had experienced constant noise throughout their wedding ceremony at Penzance Register Office, due to scaffolding being brought down outside the ceremony room. The council agreed to provide a full refund in recognition of the complaint.

The committee noted the report and did not request any further actions.

Miscellaneous Licensing Committee - 25 April 2025

The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee of Cornwall Council were scheduled to meet on 25 April 2025 to discuss several licensing issues, including applications for and reviews of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle licences. Some of the items for discussion involved potentially exempt information, which would require the exclusion of the press and public.

Hackney Carriage Licence Application

The committee were scheduled to discuss an application to licence a Hackney Carriage vehicle, registration number SF12ECC, a Volkswagen Caddy to carry five passengers, which does not meet the council’s policy specifications. The application was made by Mr and Mrs Perryman of A2B Taxis Truro Ltd.

According to the council's policy:

The body work and the bumpers of the vehicle must be reasonably clean and free of any major cracks, splits, dents, blistering, corrosion or other damage. Temporary repairs (i.e. filler, tape etc.) are not acceptable.

The fittings and furnishings (inclusive of seat belts, carpets, furniture, etc.) must be in a reasonably clean condition, comfortable, well maintained and in every way fit for public service. If in the opinion of an officer of the Council, the vehicle is unclean, unkempt, smells unpleasant, is uncomfortable in any other way or in such a condition that is likely to soil or damage passengers’ clothing or luggage, then the vehicle may not be accepted for licensing.

The report pack stated that the vehicle had been presented to the licensing department a couple of times, and each time it was rejected so that work could be completed on the external body of the vehicle. The body work has since been completed, but the inside of the vehicle shows signs of wear and tear and does not meet the council’s policy.

The committee were asked to consider whether to depart from the policy specifications and grant the licence, or refuse the application.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence Reviews and Applications

The committee were scheduled to review Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences relating to LI22006031 (CD280) and WD200. They were also scheduled to consider an application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence, LI25001073 (CD279). These items were expected to be discussed with the press and public excluded, due to the likely disclosure of information relating to individuals.

Urgent Business

The committee were also scheduled to discuss any other business that the chair, Councillor Jane Pascoe, considered to be of urgency, including any confidential matters.

This week in Cornwall:

• The East Sub-Area Planning Committee conditionally approved the repowering of a wind turbine near Woodlands Farm in Michaelstow.
• The Cornwall Council meeting included questions about 20mph zones, Truro transport pricing, and investments in companies enabling acts of genocide in Gaza.
• The Strategic Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss planning applications for a solar farm near St Austell, housing in Connor Downs, and extra care apartments in Liskeard.

East Sub-Area Planning Committee - 14 April 2025

The East Sub-Area Planning Committee conditionally approved an application to repower a wind turbine near Woodlands Farm in Michaelstow. The committee also noted an appeals report.

The committee considered application PA24/06612 from Mr Simon Johnson to replace an existing 400kW wind turbine with a more modern and efficient turbine capable of generating up to 900kW. The new turbine would have a rotor diameter of 54m, a hub height of 40m and a blade tip height of 67m.

Aimee Williams, the case officer, recommended conditional approval, but Councillor Dominic Fairman requested the application be brought to committee due to concerns from the Parish Council about harm to a nearby heritage asset, local ecology, and neighbouring properties.

Michaelstow Parish Council raised concerns about the sensory and visual impacts on nearby households, the impact on a Grade 1 Listed church within 450m of the proposed turbine, and the potential danger to bats and birds.

Historic England raised concerns that the increased height of the turbine would harm the setting of Helsbury Beacon, a scheduled ancient monument. They stated that the proposal does not meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Cornwall Council's Carbon Neutral Cornwall team supported the project, highlighting its contribution to Cornwall's target of 100% renewable energy supply by 2030, and the innovative 'FanClub' approach offering local residents discounts on their electricity bills.

The committee considered the key issues to be the principle of the development, its impact on the character and appearance of the area, its impact on the historic environment, its impact on the amenities of neighbouring residential occupiers, and its impact on ecology.

The report noted that the application site lies within an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) and is 1.9km west of the boundary of the Cornish National Landscape. Policy 23 of the Cornwall Local Plan seeks to sustain local distinctiveness and character and protect and enhance the natural environment.

The report also noted that the application site falls within the Delabole Plateau Renewables Landscape Unit (RLU 29), where the overall sensitivity to new Band C wind developments (between 61m-99m in height) is defined as ‘moderate.’

The committee voted to conditionally approve the application. The conditions include: the development must begin within 3 years; the development must be carried out in accordance with the approved plans; the existing turbine must be removed from the site prior to the installation of the new turbine; a Shadow Flicker Prevention System (SFP) must be installed to mitigate shadow flicker; a Construction Environmental Management Plan must be submitted and approved to prevent pollution; a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) must be submitted and approved to ensure biodiversity net gain; the turbine must be removed from the site following the expiry of 25 years from the date when electricity is first supplied to the grid; noise emissions from the wind turbine must not exceed specified levels; and development must be carried out in accordance with the actions set out in the Ecological Impact Assessment.

The committee also noted the Appeals Report, which listed appeals lodged and decided between 4 March 2025 and 31 March 2025.

Cornwall Council - 15 April 2025

The Cornwall Council meeting included discussion of public questions, recommendations from the Constitution and Governance Committee, questions from members to the cabinet, and any other urgent business.

Several questions from the public were scheduled to be addressed to members of the cabinet. These included questions about 20mph zones, Truro transport pricing, the appointment of Councillor Louis Gardner to Head of Air and Space, and Cornwall Pension Fund investments in companies enabling illegal acts of genocide in Gaza.

The council was scheduled to consider recommendations from the Constitution and Governance Committee regarding the alignment of the Cornwall Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Partnership (ICP). The proposal was for the current Joint Health and Wellbeing Board (JHWBB) to be disaggregated and revert to two HWBBs, one for Cornwall Council and one for the Council of the Isles of Scilly. The Cornwall Council Health and Wellbeing Board and the ICP would then start to meet as aligned meetings for half a day, four times per year, with a shared agenda, revised terms of reference and revised membership.

The council was also scheduled to note the number of occasions that urgency and call-in provisions have been used in the municipal year 2024-2025 to date, and to take assurance from the Constitution and Governance Committee’s assessment that no changes to the provisions are currently required.

Strategic Planning Committee - 17 April 2025

The Strategic Planning Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss three planning applications, as well as a list of appeals decisions.

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application from Anexco Ltd for the construction of a temporary solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage farm on land off Menear Road to the north of St Austell. The application sought permission for an operational period of 40 years. The report pack noted that the proposal would result in the temporary loss of 11.2 hectares of Grade 3a agricultural land, which is considered best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land. Councillor Matthew Luke requested that the application be called to committee on the grounds of loss of Grade A good agricultural land, huge visual impact on surrounding countryside and the A391, flooding issues in the Boscoppa and Tregrehan areas, and lack of community benefit.

The committee was scheduled to consider a reserved matters application from Treveth Development LLP for 40 residential units with associated access on land north west of Angarrack Lane in Connor Downs. The application followed outline consent PA22/05411 dated 16 June 2023. Councillor Lionel Pascoe requested that the application be called to committee due to the minimum affordable housing provision, the low number of rented properties in the mix, and the concern that the open market properties cannot be guaranteed to be occupied by local people.

The committee was scheduled to consider an outline planning application from Cornwall Council for a proposed development of 60 extra care apartments (C3) and associated works at Laity House, Higher Lux Street, Liskeard. Councillor Nick Craker requested that the application be called to committee as the application relates to Cornwall Council’s own land/development, is being recommended for approval, and significant planning objections raising material planning considerations have been received from members of the public.

The committee was scheduled to note the list of planning appeal decisions received, of appeals lodged and dates of public inquiries.

This week in Cornwall:

• The Central Sub-Area Planning Committee delegated authority to approve a mixed-use scheme in Trevarrian.
• The Appeals Committee refused school transport assistance in four cases, and allowed it in one.
• The Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting was cancelled.
• The Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee revoked the licences of a driver, a vehicle, and an operator.
• The Audit Committee discussed the external auditor's plan, the annual governance statement and the internal audit plan.

Central Sub-Area Planning Committee - 07 April 2025

The Central Sub-Area Planning Committee delegated authority to the Chief Planning Officer to grant full planning permission for a mixed-use scheme in Trevarrian, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement. The committee also noted an item for information regarding appeals.

The committee discussed planning application PA24/08374 from Mr Duncan Powell for the redevelopment of The Creamery in Trevarrian, Newquay, into a mixed-use scheme comprising 23 dwellings and two commercial buildings.

Councillor Paul Wills raised concerns including that the new application bore little difference to a previously refused scheme, the site had never been adequately advertised under Policy 5 of the Cornwall Local Plan, the applicant's lack of engagement with the local community, the loss of the green buffer surrounding the site, that the proposal was an overdevelopment of the site, and that only two affordable houses were proposed.

Officers responded to questions, confirming that the proposed use of the site would be comparable to its former use, and the proposed visibility splays were acceptable, according to the Highways Officer, R Watson. The Affordable Housing Officer, D Mutton, confirmed that the site benefited from Vacant Building Credit[^2] and that the offer of two affordable dwellings at a 40% discount was supported.

The Principal Development Officer and Development Management Group Leader, Gavin Smith, clarified the location of the affordable dwellings, how the proposal differed from the previously refused scheme, and that the Planning Inspectorate had been content with the Landscape Visual Impact.

The site was in a sustainable location, would make use of a vacant brownfield site, and the commercial units would be completed to BREEAM Excellent standard. The new development would increase the amount of commercial floor space and was likely to create between 30-50 jobs. Since the previously refused scheme, the council was no longer able to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, meaning that the tilted balance[^3] under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) applied.

A debate ensued, with concerns raised about the lack of affordable housing, the lack of community engagement, and the loss of the green buffer. However, it was also noted that the scheme was in accordance with planning policies, would provide homes and better-quality employment space, and would redevelop a brownfield site.

Councillor Fitter, seconded by Councillor Williams, moved that authority be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer to grant full planning permission, subject to conditions and the Section 106 agreement[^1]. The motion was carried with 4 votes in favour, 2 against, and 1 abstention.

The Section 106 agreement is to secure an education contribution, employment units (at BREEAM Excellent), and a Penhale Dunes Special Area of Conservation (SAC) contribution.

Appeals Committee - 07 April 2025

The Appeals Committee met to discuss several requests for school transport assistance. Councillor Peter Perry was elected Chairman for the meeting. Councillors refused travel assistance in four cases, and allowed it in one case, while one appeal was withdrawn.

The committee considered a number of appeals for school transport assistance, with each case being discussed individually and in private, as the discussions involved disclosure of information relating to individuals.

The committee made the following decisions:

• A request for travel assistance to Launceston College was withdrawn prior to the meeting.
• A request for travel assistance for a pupil to attend Hayle Academy from their address near Hayle was refused.
• A request for travel assistance for a pupil to attend Bude Primary Academy Juniors from their address near Bude was refused.
• A request for travel assistance for a pupil to attend Callington Community College from their address near Liskeard was refused.
• A request for travel assistance for a pupil to attend Cubert School from their address near Newquay was allowed.

The committee resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the school transport appeals. This was done in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, because the discussion was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information relating to individuals.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 March 2025 were approved as a correct record.

Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee - 09 April 2025

The Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee revoked the licences of a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver, a private hire vehicle, and a private hire operator, all with immediate effect.

The committee reviewed three separate cases related to the conduct of a driver, a vehicle, and an operator, all connected to the same individual.

The committee considered a report by the Licensing Officer, A Lewis, regarding the review of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence, WD199; a review of Private Hire Vehicle Licence WV167; and a review of Private Hire Operators Licence WO1. In all three cases, the licence holder was not present at the meeting, but the committee proceeded to review the applications in their absence.

The committee decided to revoke all three licences. The reasons given for the decisions were consistent across all three cases:

• A warning letter had been sent to the licence holder from Licensing Compliance on 23 October 2024, regarding their conduct during a telephone conversation with a council officer, during which they used inappropriate language.
• The licence holder had been convicted of an offence in December 2024, and had not notified the Licensing department within the time frame stipulated in the council’s policy.
• The licence holder had referred to an allegation of sexual assault against him by his ex-partner in 2021.
• The licence holder had changed his name via deed poll on 20 March 2025, and had only informed the licensing department of this change on 31 March 2025.
• There was a further allegation made on 27 March 2025, indicating that the licence holder was operating as a Hackney Carriage without the appropriate vehicle licence, undercutting the standard rate of fares, and employing someone else to drive his vehicle who had not been DBS checked[^1]. These allegations were currently being investigated by licensing compliance.

The committee members expressed concern regarding the licence holder’s conviction and general conduct, particularly surrounding his licences, and the fact that he had not complied with the conditions of his licence in notifying the Licensing department of his conviction. They were also very concerned about the allegation of sexual assault made against the licence holder and the fact that he had not informed the Licensing department.

The committee had regard to the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards and considered whether they would allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by the licence holder at any time of the day or night. Taking all matters into account, members concluded that they would not.

As a result, Councillor Jane Pascoe, Chair of the Committee, seconded by Councillor Sheila Lennox-Boyd, moved to revoke all three licences, with immediate effect in the interests of public safety.

Audit Committee - 11 April 2025

The Audit Committee met to consider the appointment of an independent lay member, the external auditor's plan, the annual governance statement and the internal audit plan. The meeting also included discussion of the audit committee's annual report.

The committee was scheduled to review the External Auditors Audit Plan 2024-25 from Grant Thornton which set out the planned scope and timing of the statutory audit of Cornwall Council, but not the Pension Fund Audit Plan which is separate.

The audit includes forming an opinion on the council’s financial statements and considering whether the council has arrangements in place to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources. The plan also covered risks, materiality, IT and audit fees.

The committee was scheduled to consider the Chief Internal Auditor's annual report and opinion on the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the council's control environment for 2024/25.

The opinion provided in the report was that the council has 'reasonable assurance' on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s arrangements in respect of internal control.

The committee was asked to approve the Internal Audit Plan for 2025/26 which set out the proposed audit activity for the coming year, and the approach to programming.

The committee was asked to approve the draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2024/25 which set out the key elements of the council’s governance and internal control features, and measured its compliance with the local Code of Governance and the Framework.

The committee was asked to approve a recruitment process to appoint a lay member, as the term of a current lay member was due to end on 10 May 2025. The Appointment of Independent Lay Audit Committee Member sought approval to carry out a recruitment process in order to appoint a lay Member on the completion of the term of a current lay Member on 10 May 2025.

The committee was asked to consider the Audit Committee Annual Report 2024/25, and recommend its approval by the council. The annual report also incorporated the committee’s work programme for 2025/26, and a self-assessment of the Audit Committee effectiveness and good practice.