How much is too much?

I've been reading the other responses and understand both sides of this argument. We do need tourism and all that means and brings but wouldn't it be nice to have less tourists? It has been delightful to to enjoy some summer without the hoards hasn't it? However we do need those hoards to keep us going - I get it. However do we actually need more? More apartments more second homes more campsites more tourism. Surely we have enough to maintain a busy vibrant tourism industry that does provide employment, albeit very seasonal and in large part low paid and short term. My concern is if you look around the county you see small (and some not so small) coastal villages dying because there are too many second homes/ holiday homes. There is a difference between the two and unfortunately too many of those second homes register as businesses and claim to be full for large parts of the year but they aren't, they are of no active benefit to the local economy ( I absolutely know of second homes that are used regularly and contribute and engage with the local community- they are to be commended). Mostly these homes lie empty and pretty but of no help to the local communities. Even worse I have heard of more than one or two incidences for these people claiming business interruption money from the council and getting it! No fault of the Council but talk about greedy and thoughtless whilst other local businesses are really struggling. I think the only way around this must be for there to be more stringent checks on second homes being used as second homes or as businesses or fake businesses.

There must be other ways for the housing market to be more equitable. Because of all these beautiful new buildings or renovations the house prices go up and local people can afford less. We are a poor county, rich in environment and welcoming people. Already we are hearing about many families wanting to move down here after COVID - how long will they actually stay? How well will they integrate and contribute to the local community? Will they in fact bring some of their fearful way of living with them? Sadly I think they will - chains and locks and walls and barriers to protect what belongs to them - this is not the cornwall I have grown up in (and I'm under 50 so don't think I'm hankering after some 50's dream) which is safe, inclusive and welcoming. Of course things change and they should but we have this moment when we can choose how to progress. How radical do you want to be? Could we be the first county to be driven by carbon free energy (mad complicated I'm not stupid but why not)? Can we be focused as a county on not encouraging multi nationals to blight our high streets however they end up looking? No more Macdonalds or Dominos allowed for instance. Can the council stand strong against very powerful companies / developers / business lobbyists? How about you want to build a new housing development in cornwall - sure but it HAS to have solar panels on all new builds and really accessible to local families. How about we limit the number of houses that can be sold as "second homes" at open market value. How about haveing a two tier pricing structure? Of course its very difficult and I'm sure unscrupulous people will find a way to abuse it but what about the people who live and work here? Seriously. What about them? As the house prices increase the private rents increase. The wages don't. Poverty increases. there are many other things I could waffle about but I'll stop for now. To make any massive change the Council will have to be radical, dynamic, bold and fearless. Be brave Cornwall Council be brave