The Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Cornwall Council was scheduled to discuss updates from Cabinet Members on transport and environment and climate change portfolios. A key item on the agenda was the governance and contract arrangements for local bus services in 2028, including the franchising and bus reform pilot.

Updates from Cabinet Members

The meeting was scheduled to receive updates from Councillor Loic Rich, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, and Councillor Dan Rogerson, Portfolio Holder for Transport.

Councillor Rich's update was expected to cover progress on the Climate Change action plan and Net Zero targets, as well as feedback on committee recommendations to Cabinet. A significant item mentioned was the adoption of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Marine Nature Recovery Framework by Cabinet on 17 December 2025. Councillor Rich also indicated ongoing work to evaluate investment and delivery models for climate change initiatives, and the development of a response to the National Energy System Operator consultation regarding regional energy system plans. Additionally, work was underway to support the development of the Cornwall Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

Councillor Rogerson's update was to include feedback on committee recommendations to Cabinet and potential items for the committee's work programme. A key decision highlighted was the approval of the continuation of the Newquay Phase 2 Active Travel Scheme, subject to the outcome of a Traffic Regulation Order statutory consultation and a value for money assessment. The update also mentioned upcoming proposals for free and motorhome car parks, and a decision regarding the Mid Cornwall Metro Par Lift Bridge delivery. The committee was also informed that the Road Safety Strategy would be brought to scrutiny on 3 March 2026.

Local Bus Services Governance and Contract Arrangements for 2028

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to focus on the governance and contract arrangements for local bus services, set to take effect in 2028. This discussion was to include the franchising and bus reform pilot. Peter Hardy, Technical Director from ITP Haskoning, was expected to attend to provide an update on the progression of workstreams informing these future arrangements. The committee was also to be updated on Cornwall's capability and capacity rating from Active Travel England, which remained at level 1. Furthermore, the confirmed Local Transport Consolidated Funding settlement for Cornwall for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30, totalling over £284 million when combined with highway maintenance funding, was to be discussed.

Questions from Members to Cabinet Members

The committee was scheduled to hear questions from its members to Cabinet Members on their respective reports. These included questions for Councillor Sarah Preece, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning, regarding the liquidation of Visit Cornwall CIC and the Council's response, as well as engagement on the Local Plan and the protection of Visit Cornwall's website value. Questions were also anticipated for Councillor Peter La Broy, Portfolio Holder for Housing, concerning the removal of outdoor bins by Cornwall Housing, the description of Cornwall Housing as a failing landlord, and the future of solohaus modular units. Councillor Tim Dwelly, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment, was also expected to address questions, including those related to the Devonport investment programme and the acknowledgement of Cornwall's economic challenges by Westminster.

Committee Work Programme - Mid Year Review

The committee was to undertake a mid-year review of its work programme. Following consultation with members, the public, and officers, the updated work programme was to be presented for approval. Key additions to the programme were expected to include consideration of the Cornwall Council Road Safety Strategy Refresh, regular briefings on Visit Cornwall, a briefing on the Local Plan focusing on viability, and a briefing from Cornwall Housing on plans to reduce the timeline for making housing stock decent.

Cormac Small Highways Scheme Review

A presentation was scheduled on the Cormac Small Highways Scheme Review. Cormac, a division of Corserv Solutions wholly owned by Cornwall Council, operates under procurement legislation requiring 80% of its work to be for the public sector. The review was to cover contractual arrangements, performance monitoring, and stakeholder satisfaction. Discussions were expected to address issues such as the inclusion of Redruth in engagement sessions, the handling of utility works, the prioritization of schemes, and the rationale behind fixed pricing for schemes. The committee was to consider recommendations for a highways-specific Value for Money review of the Council's Highway Service and for Cormac to arrange engagement sessions with Parish and Town Councils.

Newquay Airport

The meeting was also to include a discussion on Newquay Airport, focusing on a strategic shift from maintaining operations under financial constraints to unlocking the commercial and strategic potential of the estate. The report was to highlight programme mobilisation, commercial engagement, community engagement, strategic risks, and the financial context, including ongoing operational costs and potential future funding requirements. Discussions were anticipated regarding the justification for funding requests for the development plan, the mix of aviation-related and other commercial uses, and the impact on aviation growth. The involvement of property agents and member involvement in shaping the land development plan were also to be addressed. The committee was to acknowledge progress in implementing the Newquay Airport Development Strategy and provide recommendations and overview and scrutiny of the CAN Development Options Appraisal and the production of the Land Development Plan.