Decision Maker: Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 29, 2025

Purpose:

Content: It was moved by Councillor Mitchell, seconded by Councillor Rogers and   RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Sustainable Growth & Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 1 July 2025 be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.   The Chairman advised that the response to the Public Question regarding Newquay Spaceport given at the meeting of the 1 July 2025 had been revised due to questions being raised about whether Newquay Spaceport was currently operational.    The Strategic Director for Sustainable Growth & Place provided the following update:   While it is correct that there are no active launches at this time, the spaceport holds a CAA license, which is a key part of the UK’s regulatory framework for spaceflight. The framework is designed to allow for flexibility and licenses are expected to be varied and/or renewed depending on the type of launch then being planned. This is a normal and anticipated part of how spaceport licensing works.  Therefore, a new operator would require the licence to be varied and/or renewed, although there are no launches underway, the spaceport remains active in developing the partnerships and infrastructure needed to support future missions.