Sorry it’s a long post but an important one.

Yesterday, the Economic Growth Scrutiny Committee met to discuss Cornwall’s future local plan and the government’s recent changes to national planning policy and housing delivery targets. Cornwall’s housing target has been increased from 2,707 to 4,454 homes per year, effective immediately, with no grace period to adjust our current planning policies. This dramatic increase not only weakens Cornwall’s ability to determine planning applications but also makes it easier for developments to pass through. Furthermore, all but 13 neighbourhood development plans are now essentially rendered worthless, and communities partway through developing their plans should pause until further advice is provided. Cornwall Council has arranged a briefing for all town and parish councils on 29th January to discuss these changes.

The new target, while challenging, does reflect the pressing housing need across Cornwall. Currently, 942 families are in temporary accommodation, and 22,000 people are on the housing waiting list. It is clear that to meet this need, we must rethink how we deliver new homes. While high-rise tower blocks are not the solution for Cornwall, alternative approaches like duplexes and homes above town centre units and car parks offer potential. However, my primary criticism lies in the feasibility of the target itself. Cornwall simply lacks the skilled workforce necessary to build these homes at the required rate. More concerning is the government’s approach to housing delivery. The arbitrary overall target is meaningless when developers, driven by profit motives, are incentivised to drip-feed properties to the market to maintain high prices. Instead of imposing such targets on private developers, we should focus on delivering social housing. This should be the priority, with the private sector left to address its own needs. Social housing is vital for families suffering from no-fault evictions, who often face years of waiting to return to the communities they have always called home.

We also discussed the environmental challenges Cornwall faces, and I was particularly shocked that Cornwall’s biggest environmental risks; coastal erosion, was largely overlooked. Coastal homes, especially in areas like Par, which is built on a reclaimed estuary, are at significant risk. I called for stronger emphasis on this issue in the future local plan, ensuring that policies address the need to protect and manage these vulnerable areas.

On the economic front, Cornwall Council has done well in attracting big sectors like tech and critical minerals, raising the bar for Cornwall’s economy. However, this success has not improved the lives of the majority of our residents. Too many families are still struggling to pay their bills. The focus should be on lifting the floor of Cornwall’s economy, ensuring that those on the lowest wages can lead happy, comfortable lives without constantly worrying about how to heat their homes or feed their children. One key way to do this is by prioritising the development of apprenticeships, particularly in the skilled trades. In my experience, the best new housing developments come from local contractors who care about building something that will support Cornwall’s future, rather than developers who simply seek profit and then disappear. By investing in local apprenticeships, we can ensure that skilled tradespeople remain in Cornwall, building sustainable homes for the future.

I believe that Cornwall can meet its housing needs, but only if we focus on sustainable development that enhances our communities. My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will continue to fight for a housing strategy that balances the need for new homes with the protection of our environment, the wellbeing of our residents, bringing in vital infrastructure, and the long-term sustainability of our economy. We will also push for a more effective, locally driven approach to housing delivery that prioritises social housing and sustainable development.