When it comes to development around our towns I have
always been clear that we should prioritise building on brown field sites over
green field sites. The industrial legacy that we have around Camborne,
Redruth and Hayle means that we have a large number of heritage buildings but
many of them are falling down. If we spend the time and effort getting
things right, we can save these buildings and the unique features that make
them special while providing new homes and employment for families who grew up
in the area.
There are always complications to developing brown field
sites with the extra costs of thinking about unique designs as well as the
costs of remediation and land decontamination. To make things more
complicated still, we are never far from a mine shaft in this part of the world
and that can add to the cost in unexpected ways. But the prize is worth
the extra effort. Consider how the old Holman's site around Camborne
Train Station has been transformed or how Heartlands in Pool has really started
to take shape. Consider the transformation of Hayle Harbour and the major
changes taking shape at the old derelict Redruth Brewery with the new archive
project. We have made great progress but there is further to go.
In recent weeks I have had meetings with several of the
key developers who own remaining difficult sites at Tuckingmill, South Crofty
and the old Avers garage site. I want to get things moving at
Tuckingmill. I have also met local planners to ensure that the latest
version of the Cornwall Council local plan will retain a strong preference for
brownfield development in the existing footprint of our urban area.
We need to keep up the momentum and focus on solutions to these difficult,
derelict sites so we can make Camborne, Redruth and Hayle the place of choice
to live and set up a business in Cornwall.
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