Cornwall: Branch on Several Fronts

This news published by the Celtic League:

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

CORNWALL : BRANCH ACTIVE ON SEVERAL FRONTS

Kernow branch are piling on the pressure in relation to local planning matters and broader concerns about protecting the community and economy (see below):

1) CONCERN WIDENS AMONG CORNISH CITIZENS

In a month which has seen the public inspection of the ‘Local Plan’ and the launch of ‘A Case for Cornwall ’, there are many groups and individuals who are increasingly concerned that Cornwall Council is not protecting the economy, communities and natural capital of the Duchy.

Already in excess of 70 town and parish councils have declared that the existing governance of Cornwall is not fit for purpose. Many NGOs and campaign groups have now joined this initial grouping calling itself ‘ Cornwall for Change’ and the wider group is called quite simply ‘The Alliance’.

The Kernow Branch of the Celtic League is represented well in The Alliance and the increasing support indicates the widening recognition of the serious weaknesses of which Cornwall Council is accused.

The most common, but by no means the only complaint is the issue of planning. Cornwall councillors justifiably claim that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is set in Westminster and puts pressure on local councils. However, the first core principal of the NPPF is that development should be sustainable and ‘be genuinely plan led, empowering local people to shape their surroundings, with succinct local and neighbourhood plans setting out a positive vision for the future of the area’.

Cornwall Council has repeatedly failed to do this and indeed, has established a headline number of 47,500 houses to be built by 2030 in the Local Plan based on questionable central government statistics and not on local need. Furthermore, whilst the Local Plan takes account of economic factors, it does not balance this with careful social or environmental consideration.

An initial agreement has now been reached which unifies the interests of the many diverse groups in The Alliance and the three explicit points of agreement are:

1. That the three pillars of national planning policy are given equal weight – economic, social and environmental.

2. The introduction of a process which guarantees that Cornwall Council produces the most robust Decision Notice and defends planning appeals with at least the same professionalism and rigour as employed by the appellant.

3. That all Cornwall Council decision making should be cognisant of the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities into which the Cornish are incorporated.

To work within these guidelines, Cornwall Council will need to introduce root and branch changes to the way that the planning process is run, from pre-application, robust reasons for refusal and through to the strong and professional defence of an appeal.

Orlando Kimber, spokesman said, ‘Whilst we’re delighted to find voices with shared hope amongst the people of Cornwall , we are saddened by the continued lack of humility and flexibility in the current system of governance.’ ‘Whilst there are many decent and hardworking people in the chamber (of Cornwall Council) they do not all have the skills, training, experience and insight necessary to lead Cornwall at this time. That does however reside in our population and was freely offered in the recent consultation at Lys Kernow. We very much hope that Cornwall Council chooses to draw on the wisdom in the community, so that intelligent and practical plans can be made that meet with the actual needs of the Duchy and not those of rapacious large developers. We are a mere cash cow to these business interests.’

Iwan Le Moine, member of the Kernow Branch and a financial analyst and long time campaigner for sustainable development said, ‘That so many have come together in the common cause of seeking a better Cornwall has enthused me. We can now proceed in a true spirit of ‘One and All’ to quote the motto of Cornwall .’

Previous CL News items:

https://www.celticleague.net/news/case-for-cornwall-discontent/
https://www.celticleague.net/news/selling-cornwall-for-queens-pound/
https://www.celticleague.net/news/kernow-branch-anger-over-development-n...
kernow@celticleague

2) THE MODERN SIEGE OF CASTLE CANYKE

Following on from concerns regarding housing development in the vicinity of Castle Canyke, Bodmin, Cornwall , Chris Webber of the Kernow Branch Celtic League wrote to a number of organisations and individuals regarding the site and its historic significance.

CL News Item refers: https://www.celticleague.net/news/kernow-branch-anger-over-development-n...

The Branch is now pleased to report that these concerns have been flagged to the Historic Environment Strategy Lead at the Cornwall Council Archeological Unit for their attention and that the following two responses have been received from Cornwall Councillor Steve Rogerson within whose ward the proposed development is to occur:

“Dear Christopher

Thank you for your communication.

Firstly may I mention the fact that Cornwall Council is seeking control of housing development via the draft local plan which has unfortunately been referred back by the government inspector as he feels that our proposed housing targets should be increased.

I do support the development and I don't regard it as unsustainable or unserviceable.

Much consideration of the site has been done and I am indeed asking for a field within the buffer zone between housing and Castle Canyke to be available for children's play as I believe this is very important.

I am to have further discussions with the developer about this.

I would of course be happy to meet with you and the developer on site to discuss any concerns.

Kind Regards
Steve - Cllr Steve Rogerson”

“Dear Christopher

My interest is quite real. Indeed my house, modern though it is, is called Callywith!

It is my hope, as I said at the strategic planning meeting, that the existence of a modern settlement in proximity to this historic site might even raise residents' awareness both of it and it's importance to our history.

The developer has agreed to the buffer zone and he has modified his site design to improve site lines with regard to Canyke.

I do hope that we can preserve the atmosphere and setting of this important site whilst creating much needed homes; both for future generations.

Many thanks for the greater insight that you have given me. I was aware of the routeway and the possible Arthurian links but not of the 1549 connection.

Kind regards
Steve - Cllr Steve Rogerson”

The Kernow Branch is extremely grateful to its member, Craig Weatherhill, archaeologist, historian and author for compiling the historic overview of this important site.

CL News Item refers: https://www.celticleague.net/news/kernow-branch-anger-over-development-n...

kernow@celticleague.net

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(Articles supplied for Celtic News by Michael Chappell – AGS)

J B Moffatt (Mr)

Director of Information
Celtic League

25/06/15

(Please note that replies to correspondence received by the League and posted on CL News are usually scanned hard copies. Obviously every effort is made to ensure the scanning process is accurate but sometimes errors do occur.)

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