The Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Newquay Airport development strategy, review the Cormac Small Highways Scheme, and conduct a mid-year review of the committee's work programme. The committee acknowledged the progress on the Newquay Airport Development Strategy and recommended a highways-specific value for money review of the council's Highways Service, including delivery by Cormac. They also endorsed the continuation of the 20mph roll out across Cornwall at a prior meeting on 7 October 2025¹.

Newquay Airport Development Strategy

The committee reviewed the progress of the Newquay Airport (CAN) Development Programme, following Cabinet's approval in July 2025 of a new strategic direction for the development of the Airport Estate. The aim is to transform the 650-acre estate into a high-performing, financially sustainable, and commercially driven operation.

The committee was asked to consider progress to date and provide recommendations, oversight, and scrutiny of the CAN Development Options Appraisal and the production of the Land Development Plan (LDP) for the full Airport Estate, including the Aerohub Business Park (ABP).

Progress includes:

• Allocation of £0.200m to Corserv for priority roles.
• Recruitment of an Interim Estate & Development Director, a Technical Services Specialist, and a Development Marketing & Communication Marketing Assistant.
• Development of a corporately branded Real Estate page on the CAN website.
• Submission of the Programme Mandate, Programme Brief, and initial Programme Plan.
• Continued engagement with interested parties regarding development on the Airport estate.
• Holding the first in a new series of Airport Consultative Forums (ACF).
• Development of a Development Criteria and associated Scoring Matrix.
• Preparation of external communications for release from the CAL LinkedIn social media page.

Next steps include:

• Production of an initial high-level Land Development Plan for the entire Airport Estate (650 acres).
• Production of a detailed LDP for the ABP (85 acres).
• Production of a fully detailed LDP for the entire Airport Estate (650 acres).
• Production of a CAN Development Options Appraisal, proposing options for the ongoing management and ownership of Airport assets and the estate.
• Continuing engagement with interested parties for development on the CAN estate.

A strategic risk has been identified regarding the inclusion of the Airport Estate as an existing Government Enterprise Zone² and its potential inclusion in a new wider Industrial Zone. This could impact the council's ability to retain Uniform Business Rate³ revenue received from development works. The committee acknowledged the progress achieved and recommended continued oversight and scrutiny of the CAN Development Options Appraisal and the production of the LDP for the full Airport Estate, including the ABP.

Cormac Small Highways Scheme Review

The committee reviewed Cormac's delivery of minor highway schemes in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. Cormac is a business division within Corserv Solutions Limited, a company owned by Cornwall Council. It delivers services to the built and natural environment. Contracts for these services are let via Internal Direct Award to Cormac, utilising the council's Highways Term Service Contract with Corserv Solutions Limited.

The presentation to the committee clarified the structure and focused on two key areas of highways delivery:

1. Community-Led Highways Improvement Schemes, now termed Community Highways Improvement Schemes (CHIP).
2. Strategic Schemes via the Local Transport Plan (LTP), called Minor Highways Improvement Schemes (MHIP).

The committee recommended:

1. That a highways-specific Value for Money review of the council's Highways Service, including delivery by Cormac, be commissioned.
2. That Cormac be requested to arrange a series of engagement sessions with parish and town councils, alongside a Member Briefing.

Committee Work Programme - Mid Year Review

The committee conducted a mid-year review of its work programme. The updated version, as set out in appendix 1 to the report, was approved. The committee also agreed that amendments to the work programme can be determined by the Chair of the Committee, in consultation with the Vice-Chair, the Senior Responsible Officer, and the Democratic Services Lead.

The committee considered suggestions for new items from members, the public, and officers. One suggestion was received from a member of the committee regarding Visit Cornwall, but it was noted that Visit Cornwall was not a company of the local authority. Two suggestions were received from members of the public, one regarding transport links and bus routes in Cornwall, and one regarding the lack of affordable residential rental properties in Cornwall. One suggestion was received regarding the Cornwall Council Road Safety Strategy Refresh, and the committee is asked whether it would like to prioritise it for consideration as a formal report to the committee.

Questions to Cabinet Members

The committee questioned Cabinet Members on their reports.

Councillor Dan Rogerson, Portfolio Holder for Transport, was asked about:

• The 100% increase in weekly bus fares for students in Falmouth.
• Rumours that the Metro service might bypass several village stops, including Par and Quintrell Downs.

Councillor Sarah Preece, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning, was asked about:

• Visit Cornwall entering voluntary liquidation and whether the council was actively protecting its assets and supporting the tourism sector.