The Cornwall We Want

What are your hopes and fears for the future?

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  One and All

  by Donna W, over 6 years ago

  Our Cornish moto 'One and All' should be a guiding force for the decisions that are made about our counties future. At the moment this does not seem to be the case. Local planning committees take decisions on developments and if they say no, the decision is taken to a higher power out of county and we end up with the development anyway. This approach is ruining our county.

  We desperately need more political and planning powers to make the decisions that affect our communities without those decisions being overridden.

  We need less tourists and we desperately need to control... Continue reading

  Our Cornish moto 'One and All' should be a guiding force for the decisions that are made about our counties future. At the moment this does not seem to be the case. Local planning committees take decisions on developments and if they say no, the decision is taken to a higher power out of county and we end up with the development anyway. This approach is ruining our county.

  We desperately need more political and planning powers to make the decisions that affect our communities without those decisions being overridden.

  We need less tourists and we desperately need to control the quality of the way in which seaside villages develop - Perranporth is being ruined, whilst St Ives prospers due to a better quality of visitor

  We do need a tourist tax and lets make it a high one

  No more second homes, give our children a chance to stay in Cornwall

  Get the £10,000 grants back from the second home owners who pretend they are running a business, this money could then go to improve the education of our children.

  Work to get the government to close the loophole which allows second home owners to avoid both council tax and business rates. Why should we be paying for their bin collections etc.

  If the above is enacted the environment would be better cared for which is critical for the health of our children.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
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  Is Cornwall dying?

  by wnevets, over 6 years ago

  I was born in Newquay in 1967. Raised through a strong resonating tourism industry, where almost every household in and around Newquay offered B & B, including my own parents. This was a vital service to the economic region, above and beyond the Hotel businesses themselves, and when Newquay was full to capacity, it really was, with an ocean of families, couples, and yes the just as important 18-30 sector with THE MOST DISPOSABLE INCOME! Oh, and the Council made a killing on it too (even though they always seem to spend it everywhere other than Newquay)!

  Over the last... Continue reading

  I was born in Newquay in 1967. Raised through a strong resonating tourism industry, where almost every household in and around Newquay offered B & B, including my own parents. This was a vital service to the economic region, above and beyond the Hotel businesses themselves, and when Newquay was full to capacity, it really was, with an ocean of families, couples, and yes the just as important 18-30 sector with THE MOST DISPOSABLE INCOME! Oh, and the Council made a killing on it too (even though they always seem to spend it everywhere other than Newquay)!

  Over the last 15 years or so, I have had to sit and watch while the local chamber of commerce fades into an impotent almost not entity, whilst whingers and folk who have no vested interest in the local economy itself, have tried to destroy our tourism trade by attempting to shut everything down, and create their own little retirement paradise, devoid of tourism and jobs, and on top of that, the Police seem to want to shut it all down as well to reduce their work load - to hell with the local economy!

  Please, whatever Cornwall decides for the future, don't be pie in the sky; please approach this with a well focused, pragmatic and economy based business brain, and stop spending millions of our hard earned Council Tax cash on ridiculously pointless projects, and put that money where it really makes a difference. Oh wait, don't tell me - the money has to be spent on that or we don't get an allocation next year! Hmmmmm?
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  Many excellent suggestions

  by LesP, over 6 years ago

  I have read the comments and agree with most -

  Yes, we need more political power in Cornwall, devolution etc, call it what you will

  Yes, more limits on tourism which has caused massive destruction and inconvenience to those who live here - less numbers, better quality, less pollution, less traffic jams etc

  Yes, a tourist tax is desperately needed

  Yes, a control on second homes which also cause huge damage in our locale

  Yes, more care for the environment

  Yes, a better planning department, not the out of control development now ongoing and permitted by a dysfunctional planning system

  ... Continue reading

  I have read the comments and agree with most -

  Yes, we need more political power in Cornwall, devolution etc, call it what you will

  Yes, more limits on tourism which has caused massive destruction and inconvenience to those who live here - less numbers, better quality, less pollution, less traffic jams etc

  Yes, a tourist tax is desperately needed

  Yes, a control on second homes which also cause huge damage in our locale

  Yes, more care for the environment

  Yes, a better planning department, not the out of control development now ongoing and permitted by a dysfunctional planning system

  Yes, faster internet access and encouragement to better quality employment either dependent on traditional industry or modern hi tech industry

  Yes, an encouragement to elected councillors to listen more to what local people are asking for

  Yes, a reduction in parking fees to encourage town centre footfall

  Yes, a control on out of town shopping centres and the associated MacDonalds takeaways which do none any favours

  Yes, a better quality local news source better than what the current press offers

  Yes, more respect for local heritage, history and culture

  So, a whole load of 'yeses' from me!

  The coronavirus has been horrible and I expect will continue to cause deaths in future but it has revealed a better Cornwall than what we have witnessed before. Quieter, less pollution, cleaner, more respectful and so on. Pity it won't stay that way.

  
  
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  Make a decision

  by Taggart, over 6 years ago

  Cornwall needs to decide what it wants before it will make any meaningful progress.

  Does it want tourism or not? Does it want 2nd home owners or not? Does it want new industry or is it only willing to protect what it has?

  Within limits it can do anything it wants provided it decides on a path and has leadership.

  The very fact the questions above have not been answered fully suggest that current leadership may not be appropriate and that is not a political statement.

  Lockdown has given people time to reflect but it has also provided a comfort... Continue reading

  Cornwall needs to decide what it wants before it will make any meaningful progress.

  Does it want tourism or not? Does it want 2nd home owners or not? Does it want new industry or is it only willing to protect what it has?

  Within limits it can do anything it wants provided it decides on a path and has leadership.

  The very fact the questions above have not been answered fully suggest that current leadership may not be appropriate and that is not a political statement.

  Lockdown has given people time to reflect but it has also provided a comfort bubble which has removed many from reality. Talk of being able to cycle everywhere and listen to birds sing is very unlikely unless you are prepared to move to the Channel Islands. People, not all, have had the comfort of the furlough scheme as well so when mulling over Cornwalls future its important you leave the comfort bubble to get to the starting point in your deliberations.
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  Make a decision

  by Taggart, over 6 years ago

  Cornwall needs to decide what it wants before it will make any meaningful progress.

  Does it want tourism or not? Does it want 2nd home owners or not? Does it want new industry or is it only willing to protect what it has?

  Within limits it can do anything it wants provided it decides on a path and has leadership.

  The very fact the questions above have not been answered fully suggest that current leadership may not be appropriate and that is not a political statement.

  Lockdown has given people time to reflect but it has also provided a comfort... Continue reading

  Cornwall needs to decide what it wants before it will make any meaningful progress.

  Does it want tourism or not? Does it want 2nd home owners or not? Does it want new industry or is it only willing to protect what it has?

  Within limits it can do anything it wants provided it decides on a path and has leadership.

  The very fact the questions above have not been answered fully suggest that current leadership may not be appropriate and that is not a political statement.

  Lockdown has given people time to reflect but it has also provided a comfort bubble which has removed many from reality. Talk of being able to cycle everywhere and listen to birds sing is very unlikely unless you are prepared to move to the Channel Islands. People, not all, have had the comfort of the furlough scheme as well so when mulling over Cornwalls future its important you leave the comfort bubble to get to the starting point in your deliberations.
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  Devolution, environmental protection

  by Beatlemaniac, over 6 years ago

  Aspirations for Cornwall are pointless without devolution. Once again, we have the Liberal Democrat’s in a position of power at Cornwall Council and key independents such as Julian German - but where is our Cornish Assembly? I know that there have been various rounds of devolution (the results of which are not really communicated to the people of Cornwall) vbut they have not focused on tax retention or raising powers.

  These are now more essential than ever to plug the presumptive gap in the Cornwall Council budget as a result of Covid and the coming recession. The “Great South West”... Continue reading

  Aspirations for Cornwall are pointless without devolution. Once again, we have the Liberal Democrat’s in a position of power at Cornwall Council and key independents such as Julian German - but where is our Cornish Assembly? I know that there have been various rounds of devolution (the results of which are not really communicated to the people of Cornwall) vbut they have not focused on tax retention or raising powers.

  These are now more essential than ever to plug the presumptive gap in the Cornwall Council budget as a result of Covid and the coming recession. The “Great South West” is an appalling unaccountable back door toward a SW regional assembly and with less money around could become an unfortunate and unacceptable reality.

  Where devolution is desperately needed is around planning. Johnson and Cummings want to take apart the last vestiges of the planning system. It is essential that there is proper spatial planning with the public able to influence decisions. What do we get at the moment? Awful little boxes selling as inevitable £600k second homes on Hayle Harbour.

  Where is the capacity plan for Cornwall? Population growth is unsustainable.
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  Social housing

  by Tabatha 1, over 6 years ago

  My Daughter has been in emergency housing for nearly 3 years, whilst working at The Royal Hospital she suffered a cardiac arrest and heart attack followed by a stroke. This means she is unable to work, she had always paid her way always worked and privately rented. Over night her life changed she has been moved 34 times yet since lockdown she has been in one place but now on the 4th July she is on the move again. We need more social housing so that families can settle have a place to call home. Her possessions have been locked... Continue reading

  My Daughter has been in emergency housing for nearly 3 years, whilst working at The Royal Hospital she suffered a cardiac arrest and heart attack followed by a stroke. This means she is unable to work, she had always paid her way always worked and privately rented. Over night her life changed she has been moved 34 times yet since lockdown she has been in one place but now on the 4th July she is on the move again. We need more social housing so that families can settle have a place to call home. Her possessions have been locked away for nearly 3 years living out of suitcases, her Son who is 13 had been so patient and helpful, never complaining about not having their own home. It is so wrong that while second home owners can have the pick of our properties our own are living in a way that is so unstable. My wish for a better Cornwall is homes for our local people. As believe me you never know what tomorrow may bring.

  
  
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  Better caretaking of Cornwall

  by M Angove, over 6 years ago

  I see that others have raised concerns about the destruction caused by over tourism and housebuilding and I echo those concerns. Tourism is not what is often been promised. We need real jobs and we do have the talent here and the opportunities too if they are encouraged to blossom. We need better broadband to allow for this. We need a 'bed' or tourist' tax to help put right the destruction we can all see happening around us. We all pay it when we go abroad on holiday and so why not here? I know that many tourist jobs are... Continue reading

  I see that others have raised concerns about the destruction caused by over tourism and housebuilding and I echo those concerns. Tourism is not what is often been promised. We need real jobs and we do have the talent here and the opportunities too if they are encouraged to blossom. We need better broadband to allow for this. We need a 'bed' or tourist' tax to help put right the destruction we can all see happening around us. We all pay it when we go abroad on holiday and so why not here? I know that many tourist jobs are taken by seasonal worker who come here for the work. This isn't creating local employment. Much of the money raised leaves and is gobbled up by big companies. We pay quite large rates and we should be listened to more and not ignored all the time as we seem to be. Can Cornwall Council start asking us before buying in expensive up country consultants? Can our Councillors start speaking out for us rather than big business interests? What on earth is going on in Cornwall Council planning department? Some of what is being built is an utter eyesore and so out of character. There seems to be a free for all going on with those with the most money being allowed to do what they want. We need more respect to be shown for our natural environment and a little less self entitlement. In summer, the traffic fumes where we live is unbearable and we are obliged to shut windows to prevent petrol and diesel fumes overwhelming our home from the rows of static cars driven by tourists attempting to get to the beaches. The lockdown was a real eye opener. The virus has been an absolute tragedy but it did reveal a better environment than many of us have witnessed in a good many years. Please, please can something be done about the thousands of second holiday homes which are hollowing out our communities? And as someone else pointed out, please can we have a better local media? Something reliable for a change and not the old guff we read and depend upon for our news at the moment. Surely the efforts of a few councillors could achieve this? After all, we pay enough for all these things!
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  Locked down but carrying on

  over 6 years ago

  My work stopped completely in lockdown, and I wasn't eligible for government help as I'm self-employed but haven't made enough in the last three years to qualify. So I reinvented myself as a genealogist and have been doing family trees to make a little bit of money to keep myself going.

  That's been hard - many of the self-employed have fallen through the gaps and there's no help. So it's tough to hear of the millions going to second-home owners who get help as they can't let their properties while people like myself are struggling just to get by.

  I'm... Continue reading

  My work stopped completely in lockdown, and I wasn't eligible for government help as I'm self-employed but haven't made enough in the last three years to qualify. So I reinvented myself as a genealogist and have been doing family trees to make a little bit of money to keep myself going.

  That's been hard - many of the self-employed have fallen through the gaps and there's no help. So it's tough to hear of the millions going to second-home owners who get help as they can't let their properties while people like myself are struggling just to get by.

  I'm trying to sell my property in Gloucestershire so that I can buy somewhere here. Not sure if I'll be able to afford anywhere though and it's not a good time to be selling. So a bit of help would have been nice.

  My business was journalism (which nobody wants to pay for these days) and table tennis coaching. I doubt paid journalism will pick up and table tennis is an indoor sport so I can't see my chance of that starting up for months.

  For the future I'd like to see communities pulling together as they have in lockdown, and moves to reduce car use to keep the roads safer for cyclists and to cut air pollution and noise.

  I think climate change has to be at the forefront of everything: despite what the Prime Minister says, people shouldn't be rushing back to the shops to spend money, or race out to the pubs. We can't afford the cycle of needless consumerism to continue: this crisis shows what we really need - which is an NHS that's properly funded, support for people on low or no incomes, enough food and housing for everyone.

  No doubt the council will be strapped for cash and the government will say it can't afford to help: that's rubbish. They have found the money to pay for HS2, a satellite system that doesn't work, a track and trace app that doesn't work - so much money has been wasted while NHS staff are paid a pittance, 50s-born women have had their pensions stolen. If the wealthy paid their taxes and weren't given tax breaks or bail-outs then we'd have money for the things that matter.

  I'd like to see moves to mitigate climate change, to provide jobs for young people, houses for people who live and work in the county, and a green deal that cuts consumerism and encourages recycling and care for the environment. That includes street lighting which needs to be environmentally friendly not just bright LEDs that actually are harmful to people and wildlife.

  Brexit is not going to help anyone other than those who want to short the pound, so we should put pressure on government to ask for an extension and let us recover from coronavirus first.

  In terms of health care I'd like to see more NHS funding and a revamped dental service as, atm, there are no NHS dentists taking on new patients in the county. That's ridiculous and is storing up problems for those who can't afford to pay for private treatment.

  In short, we have problems with unemployment, lack of social care and facilities, poverty, hunger, too many holiday homes and not enough housing, too many tourists putting a strain on our facilities - these are all things that should be addressed, with the money coming from government via taxation on the wealthy, not those who've got nothing but benefits.
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  High Streets, Greedy Landlords and Shared Ownership properties

  by Hopeful, over 6 years ago

  Why not look at investing in our high streets and deal with the greedy landlords who charge extortionate rent for the privilege of renting them. No wonder why so many of the shops are so empty not only do you get charged stupidly high rents but you also have all the taxes and rates to cover before you can even think about making a living. And make the towns pedestrianised with more outdoor eating areas stopping unnecessary congestion and making them nicer places to visit, think about the locals, offer them free parking.

  There are so many new houses going... Continue reading

  Why not look at investing in our high streets and deal with the greedy landlords who charge extortionate rent for the privilege of renting them. No wonder why so many of the shops are so empty not only do you get charged stupidly high rents but you also have all the taxes and rates to cover before you can even think about making a living. And make the towns pedestrianised with more outdoor eating areas stopping unnecessary congestion and making them nicer places to visit, think about the locals, offer them free parking.

  There are so many new houses going up which is much needed, but with lower incomes in Cornwall there is still a shortage of affordable/shared ownership properties, the latter being the ones that young buyers are able to afford, yet only a very small percentage are submitted on each planning application , push this up to nearer 50% and make this viable for all low income families in Cornwall to be able to afford their own property. Any second home purchasers or large businesses who live out of the county should also have to pay higher council taxes on the property and also an additional tax on the purchase price, put this money back into dealing with the roads, sewage and drainage issues that we hear about every day.