Lee Trewhela

Andy Burnham says Cornwall should be able to introduce an overnight visitor levy, describing it as a potential major new revenue stream and a “game changer” for the county. During a visit to Truro and Perranwell Station, he also offered to negotiate a cross-party devolution deal with Cornwall’s council leader and MPs, while acknowledging that a non-mayoral arrangement could limit the powers transferred. Burnham argued that Cornwall needs better infrastructure, stronger public services and tailored support for farming and hospitality, and defended plans for a 20% cut in business rates for pubs. He rejected the prospect of Cornwall becoming a separate nation but said a practical devolution settlement could deliver growth and greater local control within a few years.

Almost 900 people have signed a petition urging Cornwall Council to reject Kingsley Developments’ application for 40 homes on the Cricket Field, a 1.6-hectare site off Mary’s Well in Illogan near Redruth. Campaigners and Illogan Parish Council argue that the scheme would permanently remove important green space, harm wildlife and biodiversity, increase traffic, and place pressure on local services. They instead propose allotments, community gardens, food-growing areas and enhanced wildlife habitats. The developer says ecological surveys found the site to have generally low ecological value and that the plan would retain key hedgerows and trees, protect a badger sett, provide public open space and deliver at least a 10% biodiversity net gain. The application has received 63 objections and no supporting comments on Cornwall Council’s planning portal.

Cornwall Council has received an application from R G Morcom Holdings Ltd to convert the ground floor of Charlestown’s former Shipwreck and Heritage Centre from museum use to flexible commercial uses such as a bakery or café. The proposal includes reopening historic architectural openings, replacing windows, doors and cladding, and removing later museum-era partitions. The applicants say the changes would enhance the Charlestown Conservation Area and secure the building’s long-term use. The attraction closed in December 2024 after its former owner, Tim Smit, cited maintenance costs and a shift toward other Cornish projects. Much of the collection was subsequently secured by the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust, local heritage groups or auctioned.

Cornwall Council is consulting on two proposed pedestrian-crossing upgrades in Truro. At the Tregolls Road junction with Chellew Road and Beechwood Parc, the council proposes a controlled puffin crossing, widening the refuge island, removing the existing right-turn lane and converting it into a grass verge, while changing the middle lane to serve straight-ahead and right-turn traffic. A second puffin crossing is proposed on Newquay Road near Tregurra park and ride, alongside removal of the existing uncontrolled crossing and refuge island. The council says the changes would improve pedestrian safety and junction operation, but local commenters warn that removing the right-turn lane could increase congestion. Public feedback is open until August 27.

Cornwall Council approved a three-day 40th birthday party for up to 50 guests at Trevalon campsite near Herodsfoot, despite complaints about noise from previous events. The council’s environmental health officer warned that late-night music could disturb nearby residents, while operator Mark Simon argued that new noise-monitoring measures would prevent a nuisance. Simon agreed to end the event at 11pm rather than the requested 2am on Friday and Saturday, allowing the temporary events notice to proceed.

Cornwall was the honoured nation at the 55th Interceltic Festival in Lorient, Brittany, appearing prominently in the parade and nightly performances before large crowds. Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost said the event showcased Cornish music, dance and art while creating opportunities to deepen cultural, educational, tourism and trade links with Brittany, Ireland and other Celtic regions. Cornwall and Brittany also signed a memorandum of understanding covering cooperation in areas including culture and renewable energy, with discussions focused on coordinating floating offshore wind development. The festival prompted broader comparisons of governance structures and the challenges facing minority-language revitalization across Celtic regions.

Cornwall Council’s licensing sub-committee refused Leandro Rodrigues’s application for live music and alcohol sales at EatTok3, a street food venue in the former Tower Garage on Tower Road, Newquay. Twenty residents objected, citing excessive noise, rowdy customers, alcohol-related disruption and road-safety concerns. Rodrigues said the venue was family-friendly, community-focused and intended to close by 9:30pm, but councillors concluded that the residential location created a high risk of public nuisance and that he had not shown how noise would be controlled.

Cornwall councillors have warned that failure to deliver homes at the Langarth garden village near Truro would be a public disaster for the council. The £260 million project is planned to provide up to 4,000 low-carbon homes, schools, health facilities, shops and community hubs, but economic pressures, higher infrastructure costs and repeated delays have pushed back housing delivery. More than £193 million has reportedly been spent, with the council also servicing significant debt and paying to operate Treveth, its development company. Council leader Leigh Frost acknowledged that the current delivery model is not working and said an interim change will precede a full business plan in December, while councillors demanded detailed planning approval and tangible progress toward building homes by 2029.

Cornwall Council removed the swings and roundabout at St Just Recreation Ground after a condition survey found them unsafe and beyond repair. The council says it has no funding to replace them and must rely on external support, while residents criticize the removal during the summer holidays and the lack of notice, interim provision, or a confirmed replacement plan. Councillor Brian Clemens and St Just Town Council are exploring funding options and a possible transfer of park management, but any redevelopment is expected to take time.

Residents and local stakeholders in Blackwater raised strong objections to Acland Farm’s proposal to build a large slurry lagoon capable of storing more than six months of waste, citing concerns about odour, pollution risks and increased heavy agricultural traffic. The head of the nearby Three Bridges School argued that the lagoon’s proximity could negatively affect vulnerable pupils, while others questioned the adequacy of technical assessments and the safety of ageing pipework connecting the farm to the proposed site. The farm maintained that the new lagoon would lessen impacts compared to its existing storage system. The planning application has prompted numerous objections on Cornwall Council’s portal and remains under review.

A Redruth man born in the United States, Donte Ragan, has been granted British citizenship after years of uncertainty caused by errors in his adoption paperwork. With support from Labour MP Perran Moon, his deportation risk was removed, he received indefinite leave to remain, and was eventually recognised as a citizen. Ragan, who grew up in Cornwall and has a young daughter, said the decision brings major relief and allows him to work and live securely. The MP credited Home Office minister Mike Tapp for assistance and highlighted Ragan’s contributions to the local community.

Vandalism of newly installed parking meters at Helston’s Fairground car park has revived debate over whether the site was originally intended for free public use. After foam was sprayed into the machines on the first day charges were to begin, a resident launched a JustGiving campaign to fund access to Land Registry documents to determine any covenant on the land. More than 4,000 people previously opposed the introduction of charges, and any excess funds raised will go to the South Kerrier Alliance. Cornwall Council expressed disappointment at the vandalism and noted that payments must be made through the JustPark app while repairs are underway, as police investigate the damage.

Vandals removed bollards and parking signs from Newlyn’s Old Bridge, escalating tensions surrounding Cornwall Council’s decision to permanently close the historic structure to vehicle traffic for pedestrian safety and preservation. The council plans to reinstall and secure the bollards, while police investigate the damage. Local officials report ongoing hostility toward council staff amid broader disputes over traffic‑calming measures in the area.

A dispute within Cornwall Council escalates after Liberal Democrat leader Leigh Frost called Reform UK councillor Sean Smith “a complete plonker” following Smith’s questions about funding and demand for the Cornish Language Strategy. Smith condemned the remark as unprofessional and harmful, arguing that elected officials should maintain respectful debate. He is seeking a full public apology, withdrawal of the comment at the next council meeting, and acknowledgment that personal insults undermine democratic standards, warning he may pursue code‑of‑conduct procedures if no apology is issued.

Cornwall Council plans to build about 4,000 new homes on council‑owned land as part of the Homes Cornwall project, supported by Homes England and aimed exclusively at residents. Including the Langarth Garden Village development, nearly 8,000 homes are proposed to address the county’s severe housing shortage, with 25,000 people on the waiting list and high temporary accommodation costs. Councillors Peter La Broy and Tim Dwelly emphasise prioritising local needs, preventing second homes and holiday lets, and partnering with private developers and social landlords to deliver affordable and market‑rented housing. The scheme has backing from the current Lib Dem–Independent administration and is positioned as a measured response to long‑term housing pressures.