Statement of Reasons of the Acquiring Authority

Cornwall Council

Town and Country Planning Act 1990

and

Acquisition of Land Act 1981

Cornwall Council (Saints Trails - Hurlingbarrow to Chiverton Cross) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

Statement of Reasons of the Acquiring Authority

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This is the Statement of Reasons of Cornwall Council (“the Council”) for making the Cornwall Council (Saints Trails – Hurlingbarrow to Chiverton Cross) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021 (“the Order”). This is a non-statutory statement provided in accordance with section 12 of the guidance most recently issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in July 2019 on the compulsory purchase process and the Crichel Down Rules for the disposal of surplus land acquired by, or under the threat of, compulsion ("the Guidance").

1.2 The Order is made pursuant to Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (“the 1990 Act”) and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 for the purposes of securing land necessary for the delivery of a new multi user trail between Hurlingbarrow and Chiverton Cross (“the Project”). The Project is part of the full route to be brought forward by the Council which will run from St Agnes to Chiverton Cross, and then on to Threemilestone. The land the subject of the Order is described in section 2 below but broadly speaking is a linear route running southwards from Hurlingbarrow to Sevenmilestone and then turning south eastwards alongside the B3277 from Sevenmilestone to Chiverton Cross ("the Order Land").

1.3 The Order Land forms a phase of one of the routes which falls under the umbrella of the ‘Saints Trails’ scheme. Under this scheme, the Council will deliver four multi user trails including links from Perranporth to Newquay (route designation WP1); St Newlyn East to Carland Cross (WP2); Trispen to Idless (WP3); and St Agnes to Threemilestone (including the Order Land) (WP5). Once completed these routes will provide 30km of trails to link housing and employment areas, connect coastal communities, provide sustainable access to key services and help address air quality and congestion – the Council having declared a climate emergency in 2019. These routes will benefit leisure users and commuters alike and improve the tourism offer for Cornwall. In particular, the delivery of the route of which the Order Land forms part will provide part of a link to the planned Langarth Garden Village and provide a high quality route for commuter cyclists from St Agnes to the hospital, schools and colleges, and other employment in Truro.

1.4 The Council granted full planning permission for St Agnes to Chiverton Cross multi user trail, of which the Project is a significant part, under reference PA20/02222 on 13 October 2020 (“the Permission”). On 18 December 2019 the Council’s Cabinet resolved to use powers of compulsory acquisition if any land or rights required for the delivery of the various routes of the Saints Trails scheme could not be acquired through negotiation. Whilst much progress has been made in securing the necessary land, the use of compulsory purchase powers is necessary to ensure that the Project can be delivered.

1.5 The Order has been made and will be submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation, as it is considered that there is a compelling case in the public interest which justifies interference with the existing private rights on the Order Land.

2 DESCRIPTION OF ORDER LAND

2.1 The Order Land is a linear route beginning immediately to the south of Hurlingbarrow, heading southwards towards the B3277 at Sevenmilestone and, broadly speaking, then runs in a south/south easterly direction to the junction known as Chiverton Cross / the Chiverton Roundabout. This junction marks the meeting point of the B3277, the A390, the A3075 and the A30.

2.2 Details of the known interests and rights to be acquired are listed in the schedule to the Order ("the Schedule"). The Schedule has been prepared by the Council, with assistance from its property agents and land referencers from information gathered through Land Registry documents, formal requests for information and site inspections. The Order Land has been carefully delineated to ensure that only what is required to facilitate the Development has been included. Plots that include ‘a’ in their numbering indicate land that is needed for the construction phase (with the potential exception of plot 2a-1, which it is anticipated will only be needed for the construction phase but a small part may comprise permanent acquisition). It is hoped to negotiate temporary use of such land, but where this is not possible, absent the ability to temporarily acquire land using compulsory purchase, it has been included in the Order.

2.3 The Order Land starts off immediately to the south of Hurlingbarrow in proximity to a lane that runs southwards towards Penwinnick Road. The Order Land broadly speaking follows this lane albeit running to the east of the lane, crossing fields and following a disused path to reach the Sevenmilestone Garage and a collection of farm buildings (Albany Farm) on the B3277.

2.4 The Order Land, on reaching the B3277 at the Sevenmilestone Garage, then runs south eastwards alongside the northern side of the B3277 and follows the B3277 as it heads towards Chiverton Cross / Chiverton Roundabout, passing Tywarnhayle Farm along that route.

2.5 The land required in this section is currently verge land with some tree cover and in places the route narrows to accommodate existing oak trees; and fields. Once past the wind farm to the south east of Tywarnhayle House the land required increases beyond the route alignment only, so that new landscaping and verge can be provided together with a new crossing over the Mithian Road set back from the B3277, together with some new high friction road surfacing.

2.6 The Order Land continues alongside but slightly set back from the B3277 to reach the Chiverton Arms public house, at which point it moves to being immediately alongside the road. The Order Land carries on past the Chiverton Arms a short distance and in this location the existing

carriageway will be realigned to create space for the route on the Chiverton Arms side of the B3277 and a new high friction crossing to be provided over a road leading northward. The Order Land then meets the roundabout and links into existing infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

2.7 It is the Council’s intention to acquire all interests in the Order Land, except for those already in the ownership of the Council.

3 THE SAINTS TRAILS SCHEME AND THE PROJECT

3.1 The Saints Trails scheme is the name given by the Council to its investment into and delivery of four new multi user trails which will provide links between Newquay, Perranporth, St Newlyn East, St Agnes and Truro.

3.2 The provision and improvement of infrastructure to promote cycling and walking is a key ambition of Government. The Department for Transport’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (2017) includes on its front cover “we want to make cycling and walking the natural choices for shorter journeys, or as part of a longer journey”. The foreword to the strategy makes reference to the over £1bn of funding made available by Government to local bodies for investment in cycling and walking in the period to 2022, with £300m being committed to dedicated cycling and walking programmes in this parliament aimed towards doubling cycling activity by 2025.

3.3 The ambitions (by 2040) that the Strategy aims to deliver include: better connected communities; more high quality cycling facilities; better links to schools and workplaces; better integrated routes for those with disabilities or health conditions; better planning for walking and cycling and a wider green network or paths, routes and open spaces. These are all relevant to, and promoted by, the Project which by its nature promotes all of these matters.

3.4 In May 2020 the Department for Transport announced1 it would be making a further £2bn available for new cycling and walking schemes.

3.5 In July 2020, the Department for Transport issued its plan “Gear Change: a bold vision for cycling and walking”, with a foreword by the Prime Minister. In that foreword, the Prime Minister explains that “the joy of cycling is that doing it doesn’t just benefit you. It doesn’t just make you happier. It doesn’t just make you healthier. It helps millions of others too…It means less pollution and less noise for everyone. It means more trade for street front businesses. It means fewer cars in front of yours at the lights”. This document sets out the case for a step change in cycling and walking, detailing the significant benefits that would arise from doing so, and includes a “bold future vision of cycling and walking in England” which incorporates healthier

1 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/2-billion-package-to-create-new-era-for-cycling-and-walking

happier and greener communities, safer streets, convenient and accessible travel, and cycling and walking at the heart of transport decision making.

3.6 The key themes set out in the Gear Change plan including:

3.6.1 better streets for cycling and people, which encourages the separation of cyclists from traffic.

3.6.2 setting higher standards (via a new cycling design guide) for cycling infrastructure.

3.6.3 putting cycling and walking at the heart of transport place making and health policy.

3.6.4 empowering and encouraging local authorities by increasing funding, only funding schemes that meet the requisite standards, and putting firm dates on the delivery of projects.

3.6.5 enabling people to cycle and protecting them when they do.

3.7 Further, the Department for Transport announced on 13 November 20202 that a further £175m would be made available to create safe spaces for cycling and walking, as a result of survey work that showed 8 of 10 people support measures to reduce road traffic, with two thirds supporting reallocating road space for active travel. This funding forms part of the £2bn that the Department announced would be made available for cycling and walking in May 2020 which is referred above.

3.8 The Saints Trails were derived as part of the Highways England Designated funds initiative to improve the surroundings of the strategic road network in a way that supports and protects people and their quality of life. This comprised a range of environmental enhancements across central Cornwall that were to be linked and complemented by a series of Cycling, Safety and Integration (“CSI”) schemes. Feasibility studies were undertaken by Highways England consultant team that identified a network of multi user paths that fulfilled the Designated funds objectives.

3.9 The routes that form the Saints Trails are:

3.9.1 Perranporth to Newquay (route designation WP1): a 17km multi user trail which re-uses the route of an abandoned railway (the Chacewater to Newquay line), taking users, expected to be predominantly leisure seekers, from Perranporth via St Newlyn East, to Newquay, running alongside the Lappa Valley steam railway. It will greatly improve connectivity for the villages of Goonhavern and St Newlyn East.

2 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/175-million-more-for-cycling-and-walking-as-research-shows- public-support

3.9.2 St Newlyn East to Carland Cross (route designation WP2): a 4km trail connecting the existing national Cycle Network Route 32 at St Newlyn East, meeting the above route (thereby further improving connectivity), and then to Carland Cross. At the southern end of this route the A30 dualling scheme includes a new underpass at Carland Cross, enabling Newlyn Downs to be connected by foot, cycle and horse to Carland Moor Country Wildlife Site and Carrick Heaths SSSI to the south of the A30.

3.9.3 Idless to Trispen (route designation WP4): a 3km trail linking the A39 at Trispen to Lanner Mill via quiet lanes and then via off road trails to Idless and the National Cycle Network Route 32.

3.9.4 St Agnes to Threemilestone (route designation WP5): the Project forms a key phase of this route. The trail in its full length will be a traffic-free path alongside the A390 from the park and ride at Threemilestone to Chiverton Cross where a dedicated overbridge for cyclists, walkers and horse riders will cross the A30. It will then link into the Project – which is an off road trail alongside the B3277 to St Agnes. This trail will link with the new routes planned as part of the Langarth Garden Village Development.

3.10 These together will provide circa 30km of trails which will: • link important housing and growth areas; • connect coastal communities and support the local economy; • provide and improve sustainable access to key services; • improve road safety; • address congestion and air quality concerns; and generally will greatly increase accessibility to a high quality network of cycle and walking routes to encourage exercise and healthy lifestyles.

3.11 The benefits provided by the Saints Trails project are increasingly important in light of the Council’s Climate Change emergency agenda, the Council having declared a Climate Emergency in January 2019, and the recent impacts of Coronavirus on health generally but also working and travel patterns.

3.12 The Council has secured funding from Highways England for the Saints Trails, which supports the scheme. The funding from Highways England, a commitment of circa £17m, is part of their current Cycling, Safety and Integration designated funds programme. The Council is providing £2m by way of match funding.

3.13 The Council also engaged with the community, cycle groups, the Countryside Access Forum, Parish Councils and other interested parties through a Community Network team. Allied to this were public exhibitions and events to raise the profile of the Saints Trails and to get genuine community engagement. As explained on the dedicated website the Council set up for the Saints Trails, circa 800 people attended exhibitions throughout the summer of 2019 and 810

questionnaire responses were received, showing 90% support (81% strongly), and just 5% opposition. A report on the public engagement with the Saints Trails scheme is appended to the Cabinet Report.

3.14 Work to progress the Saints Trails routes is already underway, for example in Goonhavern (regarding route WP1) where the highway sections of the route have been constructed through the village as well as through Goonhavern Park, owned and managed by Perranzabuloe Parish Council.

The Project

3.15 The Project proposes a traffic free multi user trail that broadly speaking follows the route of the B3277 albeit with the trail set outside of the highway corridor and with boundary hedges.

3.16 The Project is a phase of the longer route described above given designation WP5. The Project ends at Chiverton Cross. That part of the WP5 route that progresses onwards to Threemilestone requires further design work before it can be progressed with costings, and the necessary details provided for a planning application. The Council is however committed to bringing this current phase forward as soon as possible.

3.17 The route of the Project, and information as regards to boundary treatments, crossings and accesses to adjoining fields and properties can be seen on the planning general arrangement drawings.

3.18 Sustrans has reviewed the route design and supports the principle and the design details of the traffic free trail between St Agnes, and on to Truro and the new garden village proposals at Langarth. It is expected that there will be commuter traffic along the route. The B3277 has high traffic volumes and speed, and so as well as the road safety benefits of segregating pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians from traffic, evidence shows that new and inexperienced cyclists want dedicated facilities free from traffic, as found by the Sustrans Bike Life Report 2019.

3.19 Part of the early development of the CSI network involved identifying the candidate schemes based on feedback from key stakeholders and local interest groups that flowed from early consultation on the main A30 Carland to Chiverton road dualling scheme. This process highlighted an opportunity to develop an off road trail between St Agnes, Chiverton Cross and Threemilestone to overcome the severance experienced by non-motorised users across central Cornwall resulting from the existing A30 trunk road.

3.20 The trail will be a minimum of 2m wide along its length, though much of the route will be 3m wide, and it is designed so that it can be used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. Where possible it has been located close to existing hedgerow boundaries to provide natural

screening. Along some parts of the route the equestrian element is separated, but the trail is designed broadly speaking for multi use along its length. In general it will have an asphalt surface, and where it crosses existing public highway (vehicular) then high friction road crossing surfacing will be used. Where extra width is possible, a grassed equestrian path will be provided immediately alongside the asphalt surface.

3.21 For the first section, the general public will be able to join the route from Goonbell Road. The route, beginning at Hurlingbarrow, follows a track southwards to meet the B3277 at the Sevenmilestone Garage. This stretch does not have a separate grassed equestrian path alongside it but runs through a heavily greened route.

3.22 Where it approaches the B3277, the route goes through the Sevenmilestone garage site and is designed so as to create a suitably safe and attractive route for users. There are some surfacing works to the B3277 in this area to provide high friction surfacing on the carriageway but also across the access to Albany Farm, and carriage realignment both at the road junction immediately east of Albany Farm and generally to provide width.

3.23 The trail then follows the route of the B3277 to Chiverton Cross (known as the Teagle Straight). It has a separate grassed equestrian path alongside it for some, but not all, of this stretch and surfacing and fencing arrangements are as per the rest of the trail. There is some localised narrowing to 2m around Tywarnhayle Farm, which is to allow for the retention of three valued oak trees. It is acknowledged that there is tree loss in this area however the Forestry Officer in responding to the planning application consultation considered that the approved layout was the least harmful approach. There is also some further carriageway realignment/surfacing as the trail approaches Chiverton Cross again to provide width for the trail to be constructed.

3.24 As the Project does involve some alteration to the public highway, as described above, it has been subject to a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit, the conclusions of which have been considered by the Council and addressed acceptably, from the point of view of the Highways Development Management West Majors team. This is confirmed in the planning officer’s report into the planning application.

3.25 It is not intended that the route is lit, to minimise the impact of the Project on bats and other mammals. Overall, the Council’s planning policy objective of securing a 10% biodiversity net gain is surpassed, as confirmed in the planning officer’s report into the WP5 route including the Project. It is anticipated that there will be biodiversity net gain of circa 16% habitat units and circa 25% hedgerow units (despite the short term loss of some hedgerow to provide for construction).

3.26 Further, the Council has sought to address the climate emergency in the design of the Project, adding to the obvious benefits of promoting safe and active travel and commuting.

3.27 As described in more detail in the section below, the Council granted the Permission, removing a key impediment to the delivery of the Project.

3.28 The funding secured for the Saints Trails scheme, and the Project, sets timescales for expenditure to occur, and as such the Council’s team are rapidly progressing land acquisition so that those conditions can be met.

4 THE PLANNING POSITION

4.1 As stated above, the Council granted the Permission on 13 October 2020. The Permission is for “a new multi user trail between Goonvrea Road, St. Agnes and Chiverton Cross, associated new agricultural field access arrangements and drainage infrastructure”. There is considerable policy support for the Project, as described in this section.

4.2 The Development Plan comprises the Cornwall Local Plan 2010-2030 (2016) and the St Agnes Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan 2018-2030 (2019). The relevant policies of each are listed on page 27 and 28 of the officer's report into the planning application that led to the grant of the Permission.

4.3 Whilst not forming part of the Development Plan, other relevant plans include: the Cornwall Design Guide (2013), the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2016-2021 and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Management Plan (2013-2018).

4.4 Also relevant to the consideration of the Project are national policies, chiefly in the form of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019) (‘NPPF’).

4.5 The officer’s report to planning committee deals in detail with the specific policies at both a strategic and development management level, the assessment of which led to the grant of the Permission. Highlighted in this section are those policies and plans that lend support to the principle of the Project and what it is seeking to achieve.

National Policies and Plans

The NPPF

4.6 The NPPF sets out the national planning policy for England. It sets out the presumption in favour of sustainable development, and at paragraph 8 provides three objectives that are overarching for the planning system and which describe what sustainable development is, ascribing to it an economic role, a social role, and an environmental role. This is then followed by paragraph 11 which sets out the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

4.7 Together these parts of the NPPF are designed to support new sustainable development. The Project will clearly provide a well designed and safe active travel route, which will be usable by commuters and leisure users alike. In terms of the economic objectives in the NPPF, the Project will improve linkages between settlements and importantly will form a commuter route from St Agnes to the work opportunities in Truro.

4.8 The Project has a strong social element – supporting the health and well being of the communities that will use it and providing a safe and well built, high quality, open space facility. It will support the move towards sustainable travel modes and reduce the impacts of social inequality by providing affordable transport for access to education, training and employment. It will support active, healthy and vibrant local economies.

4.9 In terms of the environmental strand of the meaning of sustainable development, the Project will provide biodiversity net gain and help tackle the climate emergency by promoting non motorised travel, and thereby improving air quality. It will enable communities to re-engage with the surrounding countryside and help interpret the natural and built environment. Further, it will seek to use timber from sustainable sourced forests, specify the use of recycled plastic pipes for drainage, use local materials, employ LED lights for crossings, and will use reclaimed materials for surfacing.

4.10 Section 8 of the NPPF promotes healthy and safe communities and explains that policies and decisions should enable and support healthy lifestyles. The Project would align with this policy by enhancing opportunities for outdoor exercise through cycling, horse riding and walking. Part 9 of the NPPF concerns the promotion of sustainable transport and explains at paragraph 102 that transport issues should be considered at an early stage of proposals so that opportunities to promote walking and cycling are identified. Paragraph 104 recommends that policies should provide for high quality walking and cycling networks and support facilities. Paragraph 108 of the NPPF explains that in assessing sites (whether for allocation or for determination of applications), planning authorities should ensure that appropriate opportunities for the promotion of sustainable travel modes are taken. Paragraph 110 adds that applications for development should give priority first to pedestrian and cycle movements and create places that are safe, secure and attractive. The Project by its nature complies with these parts of the NPPF, and in terms of safety has been subject to a Road Safety Audit to allay the concerns of the Highways Officer that was charged with assessing the Project at the planning stage.

4.11 Section 14 of the NPPF is entitled ‘meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change’. It explains at paragraph 148 that the planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future and take full account of flood risk.

4.12 Section 15 of the NPPF is directed towards conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Paragraph 170 explains that decisions should protect and enhance valued landscapes, sites of

biodiversity or geological value, and should provide net gains for biodiversity. The Project when delivered with the remainder of the route delivers biodiversity net gain above what is required by the Local Plan.

4.13 Section 16 of the NPPF addresses conserving and enhancing the historic environment. Paragraph 189 advises that planning authorities should require applicants to describe what the impact of their development will be on heritage assets, and that the level of detail required should be proportionate. Paragraphs 193 to 202 of the NPPF then consider how authorities should consider the potential impacts of proposals on heritage assets, with ‘great weight’ being given to the conservation of assets, irrespective of the level of harm. Paragraph 196 advises that where proposals lead to less than substantial harm, then the harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal.

4.14 A heritage assessment was carried out as part of the Project, as there are recorded heritage assets in the vicinity of the Project route. This identified the potential harm, and related mitigation, to heritage assets. It also identified opportunities for enhancement of such assets through the use of signage and interpretation boards for example, lining parts of the Cornish World Heritage Area and Cornwall Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

4.15 The Council’s Historic Environment Service found the principle of the WP5 route including the Project acceptable, and to meet the requirements of the above paragraphs of the NPPF. In doing so, it concluded that there would be no above ground listed/designated historic assets likely to be affected. Overall therefore, the planning officer concluded that the development permitted by the Permission, including the Project, results in less than substantial harm and in granting the Permission considered that the significant benefits together with proposed mitigation outweighed that limited harm.

Department for Transport Strategies and Plans

4.16 In terms of National plans, which are described in section 3 above, the Project is full square with the Department for Transport’s Cycling and Investment Strategy (2017), the objective for which was to make “cycling and walking the natural choices for shorter journeys or as part of a longer journey”, and the Department’s later plan “Gear Change: A bold vision for cycling and walking” (2020).

4.17 The provision and improvement of cycling and walking infrastructure is an important ambition of Government, reflected by the plan issued this year and the significant funds made available by the Department for Transport. The Project is aligned with those national, strategic, plans and ambitions by providing an important new multi user route that will be enjoyed by leisure users and business/commuter users.

Local Policies and Plans

The Cornwall Plan

4.18 The Cornwall Plan was adopted by the Council in 2016. Among the Plan’s objectives are:

4.18.1 enhancing the cultural and tourists offer in Cornwall and to promote Cornwall as a year round destination for tourism and recreation (objective 2);

4.18.2 ensuring that infrastructure is provided that will enable development to benefit the local community (objective 6);

4.18.3 meeting a wide range of local needs including social, health and recreational facilities to improve quality of life and reduce social exclusion (objective 7);

4.18.4 promoting development that contributes to a healthy and safe population by providing for opportunities for walking and cycling (objective 8).

4.19 The Project, as a multi user trail, will promote and further these objectives. It will improve important and popular linkages that can be used for leisure and commuting alike and will be a key piece of infrastructure for the local community. It will promote recreational activity, thereby enhancing the health and wellbeing of those that use the trail.

4.20 Policy 1 of the Local Plan echoes the NPPF’s promotion of sustainable development, and as above the Project is considered to fully comply with this requirement.

4.21 Policy 2 requires that new development should provide a sustainable approach to accommodating growth, providing a well balanced mix of economic, social and environmental benefits. It further requires that proposals should respect and maintain the special character of Cornwall and:

4.21.1 Ensure development is of a high quality; 4.21.2 Consider the impact on biodiversity, beauty and diversity of landscape and seascape, and the character and setting of settlements; 4.21.3 Identify the value and sensitivity of landscapes and biodiversity; 4.21.4 Protect, conserve and enhance the natural and historic landscape, heritage, cultural, biodiversity and geodiversity assets of Cornwall.

4.22 Policy 2 also requires that development provides solutions to current and future issues and generates and sustains economic activity.

4.23 As set out elsewhere in this statement, the Project will contribute to the delivery of a number of economic, social and environmental well being benefits. Its design is of a high quality which the Council and other stakeholders have approved of through the planning process. The scheme as a whole will exceed the Council’s requirement for 10% biodiversity net gain. It broadly follows the route of an existing highway but provides separation from that highway to greatly improve the experience of those using the route to move between settlements.

4.24 The Project will improve connectivity between settlements and will be a key piece of infrastructure attracting leisure users and tourists.

4.25 Policy 5 (business and tourism) explains at paragraph 3 that the development of new or upgraded tourism facilities will be supported where of appropriate scale.

4.26 Policies 12 (Design) and 13 (Development Standards) of the Local Plan set certain expectations as to the quality of proposed developments, including requirements to protect individuals and property from overlooking and unreasonable loss of privacy, overbearing impacts, unreasonable noise and disturbance. Further, design principles should include considerations of: movement – creating a network of safe well connected routes which are easy to read and navigate; and engagement through undertaking community engagement and consultation at the design stage. The Project is full square with the design requirements, and as set out in this statement has been the subject of extensive consultation and engagement at the design stage and pre planning.

4.27 Policy 16 concerns the promotion of health and well being for communities, residents, workers and visitors. It says that development should protect and alleviate risk to the environment and health by mitigating harmful impacts; and maximise opportunities for physical activity. The Project achieves this by its nature as a multi user trail promoting the use of sustainable travel means, which has been the subject of a stage 1 road safety audit.

4.28 The Project has been the subject of an Ecological Impact Assessment, and a planning condition on the Permission secures a landscape and ecology environmental management plan. This aligns with Policy 23 (Natural Environment) in the Local Plan which requires that projects protect Cornwall’s natural environment and assets, and where possible should enhance biodiversity. As explained above, the Project secures biodiversity net gain above that required by policy.

4.29 Once completed the Project will form a key part of the Council’s green infrastructure by dint of its importance to recreation, leisure and amenity provision. This is addressed at Policy 25 of the Cornwall Plan, which provides that green infrastructure should be protected and enhanced.

4.30 Policy 27 of the Cornwall Plan addresses transport and accessibility. It requires that development should provide safe and suitable access for all people; maximise the use of

sustainable transport modes, by prioritising safe access by walking and cycling, and be designed to provide convenient and accessible cycle and pedestrian routes. These are all key fundamentals to the Project, which is itself a multi user trail which will promote and maximise sustainable travel modes.

The St Agnes Parish NDP

4.31 The Project sits within the St Agnes Parish, and the Parish has in place a Neighbourhood Development Plan (‘the NDP’). The NDP lists on page 6 a series of objectives which it seeks to achieve, the most relevant being under the headings of ‘landscape, natural and built environment’ and ‘business, economy, tourism and infrastructure’. The objectives in those categories include:

4.31.1 protecting and enhancing the character of villages and hamlets; the natural beauty and character of the landscape and the historic environment and wildlife.

4.31.2 providing opportunities for economic growth and employment.

4.31.3 supporting the development of infrastructure to meet future needs.

4.31.4 promoting sustainable living.

4.32 Polices 10 to 12 of the NDP are ‘protective’ policies regarding the Parish landscapes, the historic environment and biodiversity. The Project does not contravene these policies and as explained above the WP5 route will provide important biodiversity net gain above the required policy level of 10%.

4.33 Policy 13 of the NDP is entitled ‘getting around, sustainable transport and access’. It requires that good pedestrian and cycle connections are provided by new development to reduce reliance on vehicles. The promotion of new routes is as a result of a recognition by the Parish that there are insufficient footpaths and cycle links which in turn contributes to increased use of vehicles and parking problems. St Agnes in the direction of Truro is a major route for cyclists but the roads are dangerous for cyclists and walkers. The Project would be a key first step forward therefore in terms of infrastructure provision of this nature.

4.34 As set out above, the Project will promote healthier lifestyles and improve the well being of those with access to it. This closely ties in with Policy 20 of the NDP (health and well being) which explains that proposals to develop such facilities will be supported where the development takes account of other policies in the NDP (none of which the Project conflicts with).

Other Plans – the Cornwall Design Guide, the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Management Plan

4.35 The above plans contain guidance directed at protecting their respective areas. The officer report into the Project touches upon each of them. Given their protective nature, it is sufficient for the purposes of this statement to note that the Project is considered to comply with these plans.

4.36 The Project is therefore in line with the relevant statutory planning polices, and the Permission has been granted. There is no planning impediment to the delivery of the Project.

Declaration of Climate Emergency

4.37 The Council declared a Climate Emergency in January 2019. Such a declaration is a material consideration in planning terms. Following the declaration, on 15 July 2019 it produced the “Climate Change Plan: creating conditions for change through direct action and a new form of place based leadership for Cornwall to become net carbon neutral”.

4.38 Paragraph 2.11 of the Plan explains: “We want to promote active travel in Cornwall and we are doing that by identifying town wide walking and cycling networks. We also aim to deliver transformation cycle networks through funding commitments such as the recently announced Highways England Designated Funds programme. Major construction schemes already include measures to offset the impact of transport infrastructure on the environment by including green infrastructure to achieve biodiversity net gains such as for the St Austell A30 link road. Reducing Cornwall Council’s own environmental impact is also being progressed through the Corporate Travel Plan”.

4.39 This is a reference to the Project and the Saints Trails scheme, which has secured funding from Highways England, and demonstrates how the Project is aligned to the Council’s intended actions on Climate Change.

4.40 Further, paragraph 7.5 of the Plan includes “delivery of a Cornwall wide walking and cycling trails network including town wide cycling networks” in its list of measures to reduce the Council’s transport emissions – a key part of the Project and the wider Saints Trails scheme.

5 THE IMPLEMENTATION AND DELIVERABILITY OF THE PROJECT

5.1 Paragraph 14 of the Guidance addresses the resource implications of the proposed scheme.

5.2 In terms of funding and viability, the Saints Trails scheme (of which the Project is a part) has been added to the Council’s Capital Programme as explained in the Cabinet report of

December 2019 (“the Cabinet Report”). Funding of circa £17m has been secured from Highways England’s Cycle, Safety and Integration Designated Funds Programme and the Council has contributed £2m to the fund from its existing local transport plan budgets to bring the total budget to £19.075m. The breakdown of that total budget into each part of the Saints Trails is set out above paragraph 6.5 of the Cabinet Report, and the full St Agnes to Chiverton Cross route (of which the Project is a part) comprises approximately £4.7m of that total pot.

5.3 The Highways England funding is already being spent on the Project (and on other parts of the Saints Trails scheme) acquiring land and interests and developing the schemes from a technical perspective among other activities. The Council intends on implementing the full route (St Agnes to Chiverton Cross) in phases. The Project is the first phase and is deliverable in its own right as a multi user route.

5.4 As noted in paragraph 6.6 of the Cabinet Report, there may be opportunities to bid for further funding for discrete elements of the trails, including for example the European Structural Investment Fund. The Council has bid for further funding for the Saints Trails scheme generally, albeit it is not required for the Project to proceed.

5.5 Once completed the Project, as with the other trails, will be maintained using existing Council budgets.

5.6 Paragraph 15 of the Guidance asks whether there are any other impediments to the Project progressing. A key impediment, the need for planning permission, has been overcome by the grant of the Permission. Further, highway agreements – where changes are made to the public highway - will not be required as the Council can undertake highway works as highway authority.

6 EXPLANATION OF THE USE OF ENABLING POWERS

6.1 The Order is made by the Council under Section 226(1)(a) of the 1990 Act (as amended), which enables the compulsory purchase of land where the acquiring authority thinks that the acquisition will facilitate the carrying out of the development, redevelopment, or improvement on or in relation to land.

6.2 The power in section 226(1)(a) is subject to the restriction in section 226(1A), and the section 226(1)(a) power can only be used if section 226(1A) is satisfied. This provides that the acquiring authority must not exercise the power unless it thinks that the proposed development, redevelopment or improvement is likely to contribute to achieving the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the area for which the acquiring authority has administrative responsibility. The benefit to be derived from exercising the power is not restricted to the area subject to the compulsory purchase order, as the concept is applied to the wellbeing of the whole (or any part) of the acquiring authority’s area.

6.3 The Council is using its powers of compulsory purchase contained in section 226(1)(a) because it is satisfied that the acquisition of the Order Land will facilitate the development of the Project, which in turn will promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of its area. Section 7 sets out how section 226(1A) is satisfied in addition to section 226(1)(a).

6.4 The Guidance gives direction to acquiring authorities on the use of compulsory purchase powers. It provides that compulsory purchase orders should only be made where there is a compelling case in the public interest, and further that an acquiring authority must take reasonable steps to acquire all of the land and rights necessary by agreement. The Guidance further explains that whilst compulsory purchase is intended as a last resort, it may often be sensible given the amount of time it can take to complete the compulsory purchase process, to initiate formal procedures so that the seriousness of the acquiring authority's intentions are clear from the outset. The Council has taken full account of the Guidance in making the Order and considers that the relevant tests are satisfied as explained below.

6.5 Mindful that a general compulsory purchase power should not be used when a more specific one is available, the Council considers that the power in section 226(1)(a) is the most appropriate. Whilst as a unitary authority it does also have powers of compulsory acquisition available to it under the Highways Act 1980, the most relevant power under that legislation is for use where the outcome of the works (i.e. the Project) will become highway maintainable at the public expense. However it is not intended that the Project along its entire length will be adopted as public highway maintainable at the public expense.

7 THE CASE FOR COMPULSORY PURCHASE

7.1 The purpose of the Order is to facilitate the delivery of the Project – the first phase of a multi user trail linking St Agnes with Chiverton Cross, and onwards to Truro. The Council – with its design and technical team - has given careful consideration as to why it is necessary to acquire each plot within the Order Land. It is confident therefore that it is acquiring just what is needed for the Project to come forward.

7.2 The Council’s appointed land agents, NPS, and its own in house team have dedicated significant time already to meeting with affected parties particularly with a view to acquiring the land and interests it needs by private agreement as quickly as possible. This work has been ongoing since the media launch of the Saints Trails scheme in February 2019. A number of such agreements have been reached in principle and contracts are underway.

7.3 Whilst offers have been made, and agreement reached in some cases, it has not been possible to reach agreement in all cases. The Council will continue to attempt to acquire interests by private treaty and anticipates significant progress over the coming weeks. However, as things stand it is not considered certain the Council will secure the interests it needs to deliver this

phase within a reasonable time, bearing in mind the funding requirements of Highways England. The exercise of the Council's powers of compulsory purchase will enable the Project to take place sooner and with more certainty than would otherwise be the case, and also to meet the funding requirements of Highways England. Having said that, it remains a last resort and the Council’s preference is, where possible, to reach agreement with affected parties.

7.4 Section 1 of Tier 2 of the Guidance sets out advice in relation to the use of the well-being power of compulsory purchase set out in section 226 of the 1990 Act. Paragraph 106 sets out the factors that the Secretary of State will take into account in deciding whether to confirm an order under section 226(1)(a) of the 1990 Act. These are addressed in turn below.

Whether the purpose for which the land is being acquired fits in with the adopted Local Plan for the area

7.5 As explained in section 4 of this Statement, the Council has considered the Project against its Local Plan and has concluded that the Project fits within the objectives and policies of the Local Plan. It has granted the Permission for the Project, that Permission has not been challenged, and it is in the process of acquiring the land and rights it needs by agreement alongside progressing the Order.

7.6 The Guidance refers to whether purposes also fit within the NPPF, where a local plan is not up to date. Whilst the Local Plan was adopted in 2016, and is considered to be up to date, the Council is nonetheless also certain that the Project fits within the objectives and policies of the NPPF.

The extent to which the proposed purpose will contribute to the achievement of the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the area

7.7 The Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (2017) sums up the benefits of promoting cycling and walking in its foreword, as follows:

“If we can increase levels of walking and cycling, the benefits are substantial. For people, it means cheaper travel and better health. For business, it means increased productivity and increased footfall in shops. And for society as a whole it means lower congestion, better air quality, and vibrant, attractive places and communities”.

7.8 Section 4 of this Statement sets out the key benefits of the Project. It is a key piece of infrastructure for the Council, particularly when taken together with the other routes that make up the Saints Trail project and will deliver the benefits anticipated in the Strategy quoted above.

The Council has granted the Permission to allow the route of which the Project forms a part proceed, and considers that it will promote and improve:

7.8.1 the economic well being of the area by the creation of work opportunities during the construction phase of the Project, and ongoing management and maintenance of the Project. Further, the Project will form part of what will be an important commuter link between St Agnes and Truro (and the job opportunities available there, including in the health sector and in the development of the Langarth Garden Village). This is already a popular commuter route but is currently unsafe and involves an unsatisfactory conflict between cyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicles.

7.8.2 the social wellbeing of the area, by connecting communities with a safe and dedicated multi user route which will encourage trips between settlements. The breadth and length of the route will also encourage families and groups of friends to use the trail as a leisure activity together. There are also significant recognised health benefits associated with increased leisure activity, as set out in the Department for Transport plans described above.

7.8.3 the environmental wellbeing of the area, by promoting outdoor activity and exercise and encouraging users to experience nature along the route. Further, by facilitating active travel (including commuting) by non motorised vehicular means the Project will directly address the Climate Emergency declared by the Council by reducing traffic and the related emissions and particulates that come from it. The route as a whole will provide a biodiversity net gain above the planning authority’s requirement of 10%.

Whether the purpose for which the acquiring authority is proposing to acquire the land could be achieved by any other means

7.9 As described above, the Council is in negotiations with all of the affected landowners and offers have been made to acquire interests. A significant amount of time has already been invested into the acquisition of these interests, and time allowed for the parties to reach agreement. However, given the funding requirements of Highways England and the justification and need for the Project, as a phase of the longer route beginning in St Agnes, against the backdrop of a declared Climate Emergency, it is considered that the Order is vital to the delivery of the Project.

7.10 The Order Land forming the route of the Project has been carefully considered and selected as the most appropriate route, taking into account the landscape that the Project is set within, the findings of the ecological impact assessment and the technical requirements of the Project. These include a user requirement to ensure that the route is as accessible as possible to as many people as possible. The route was the subject of a feasibility study in June 2018 carried

out by Arup as part of the bid for funding from Highways England. Further design work was then done, and route alignment options were then considered in the preliminary design review report prepared by Cormac (the engineers appointed by the Council) in December 2019.

7.11 As can be seen from the officer’s report written recommending approval of the Permission, a number of representations from those consulted were received at the planning stage. Whilst some of these representations raise questions regarding particular aspects of the Project, none put forward alternative route proposals supported by evidence (whether technical or otherwise) to demonstrate that an alternative and preferable route is available.

7.12 The Council will continue to ensure that all reasonable attempts are made to acquire the required land and rights by agreement in parallel with the compulsory purchase process. This approach of making the Order and, in parallel, conducting negotiations to acquire land by agreement is in accordance with the Guidance.

7.13 The Council believes that to facilitate the Project coming forward within a reasonable time, it must commence the necessary steps towards making and confirming a compulsory purchase order. It considers that there is a compelling case in the public interest to move forward with compulsory acquisition in this case.

The potential financial viability of the scheme for which the land is being acquired

7.14 As described at section 5 above in the paragraphs addressing the deliverability of the Project (being part of the St Agnes – Truro multi user trail), and as set out in the Cabinet Report, the Saints Trails scheme has been added to the Council’s Capital Programme. Funding of circa £17m has been secured from Highways England’s Designated Funds Programme and the Council has contributed £2m to the fund from its existing local transport plan budgets to bring the total budget to £19.075m. The breakdown of that total budget into each part of the Saints Trails is set out above paragraph 6.5 of the Cabinet Report.

7.15 This funding is available now and is being deployed in land acquisition. The Council is confident therefore that the Project is both viable and deliverable.

8 HUMAN RIGHTS

8.1 The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated into domestic law the European Convention of Human Rights (“the Convention”). The Convention includes in its articles provisions the aims of which are to protect the rights of the individual. As made clear in paragraph 2.21 of the Department for Exiting the European Union Paper ‘Legislating for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal form the European Union: “The [Convention] is an instrument of the Council of Europe, not the EU. The UK’s withdrawal from the EU will not change the UK’s participation in the [Convention] and there are no plans to withdraw from the [Convention]”.

8.2 Section 6 of the Act prohibits public authorities from acting in a way which is incompatible with the Convention. Various rights may be engaged in the process of making and considering a compulsory purchase order.

8.3 Article 1 of the Convention protects the right of everyone to the peaceful enjoyment of possessions. It says that: “Every natural or legal person is entitled to peaceful enjoyment of his possessions…[no] one shall be deprived of his possessions except in the public interest and subject to the conditions provided for by law and by the general principles of international law”.

8.4 The Council is conscious of the need to strike a balance between the rights of the individual and the interests of the public. The European Court of Human Rights has recognised that “regard must be had to the fair balance that has to be struck between the competing interests of the individual and the community as a whole.” The Council recognises that powers of compulsory purchase must be exercised proportionately. Both public and private interests must be taken into account in the exercise of the Council’s powers and duties as a local authority.

8.5 The Order is being pursued in the public interest as required by Article 1 of the Convention and the public benefits that will be brought by the Project are explained elsewhere in this statement. The Council’s view is that a fair balance will be struck between the public interest in the bringing forward of the Project, and the private rights to be affected by the use of compulsory purchase powers. The Council also believes that the Order is proportionate as without the Order, the development of the Order Land and the public benefits that the Project will bring cannot be achieved.

8.6 Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life and home) provides that: “(1) Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence (2) There shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interest of…the economic well being of the country…”.

8.7 Therefore, rights may be restricted if the infringement is legitimate and fair and proportionate in the public interest. Given the significant public benefits which would arise from the development of the Project, the Council considers that it is fully justified in making the CPO.

8.8 Accordingly, the Council considers that there is a compelling case in the public interest for the confirmation of the Order and that, if confirmed, the Order would strike an appropriate balance between public and private interests. In addition, having regard to the provisions of the 1990 Act and the Guidance, the Council considers that the acquisition of the Order Land will facilitate the carrying out of the development, redevelopment and improvement and will make a positive contribution to the promotion or achievement of the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the area concerned for the reasons explained in this Statement.

8.9 Article 6 of the Convention provides that: “in determining his civil rights and obligations …everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law.”

8.10 Full consultation took place during the planning application process for the scheme of which the Project is a part, and the Council has made information available on its website regarding the wider Saints Trails scheme. As part of the planning process, interested parties have had an opportunity to make representations. Further, representations may be made in the context of any public inquiry the Secretary of State may decide to hold in connection with the Order. Those with interests in property affected by the Order will be entitled to statutory compensation. Further, affected parties also have the right to challenge the Order, should it be confirmed, by way of legal challenge to the High Court.

9 EQUALITIES

9.1 The Equality Act 2010 puts a duty on the Council to have regard to the advancement of equality, and this applies to the exercise of powers of compulsory purchase powers as is does to other powers of the Council. This is referred to in the Cabinet Report as the Public Sector Equality Duty (‘PSED’). The PSED is set out at section 149 of the Equality Act 2010.

9.2 The Guidance in section 6 of Tier One sets out the three matters that the PSED requires the authority to pay regard to:

“All public sector acquiring authorities are bound by the Public Sector Equality Duty as set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. Throughout the compulsory purchase process acquiring authorities must have due regard to the need to: (a) eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation; (b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it; and (c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. In performing their public functions, acquiring authorities must have due regard to the need to meet these three aims of the Equality Act 2010. … As part of the Public Sector Equality Duty, acquiring authorities must have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it”.

9.3 The Development is considered by the Council to comply with the relevant planning policies in the Council's local plan and will bring substantial benefits to the Council’s area of an environmental, social and economic nature. It will improve the quality of the environment of the Order Land.

9.4 It is the Council’s practice to carry out cumulative impact assessments (‘CIAs’) whenever it develops a new policy, reviews or amends an existing policy, reviews its services or starts a project or programme of work. The Council’s CIAs consider a multitude of issues including ensuring that its services are free from discrimination. CIAs incorporate the Council’s previously used equality impact assessment by including specific themes including equality and human rights.

9.5 A CIA has been carried out by the Council regarding the use of its powers of compulsory purchase for the Saints Trails schemes, and this was appended to the Cabinet Report, following which the Cabinet made its resolution. This concluded, for all matters covered by the CIA, that the Council should continue with the Saints Trails scheme but mitigate any identified risks. The specific assessment for equality was that the impact was minimal.

9.6 Further, for the purposes of securing the Council has produced a Sustainability and Equality Policy as part of its bid for European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) funding. This committed the Council in turn to producing a Sustainable Development and Equality and Diversity Implementation Plan for the Project specifically, which will govern the Council’s ongoing monitoring of the Project.

10 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

10.1 There are no ancient monuments or listed buildings within the Order Land. The Order Land is not within a conservation area.

10.2 The Order Land does not include any consecrated land.

10.3 In terms of special category land the Order Land includes land or interests (as widely defined in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for the purposes of acquisition) held by local authorities (in this case the Council, but the Council’s interests are excluded from the Order) and statutory undertakers. The Guidance notes at paragraph 220 that a separate list should be included in the Schedule setting out special category land. However, in this case the acquiring authority is an authority included within section 17(3) of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 and so, as per the Guidance, it is not necessary to show that land twice.

10.4 Further, the requirement for a special parliamentary procedure for either of the types of land described above, set out in section 17(2) of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981, does not apply in this case. This is due to section 17(3) dis-applying that requirement.

11 OBSTACLES AND PRIOR CONSENTS

11.1 Paragraph 15 of the Guidance asks whether there are any other impediments to the Project progressing. A key impediment, the need for planning permission, has been overcome by the

grant of the Permission over the route. Further, the acquiring authority can undertake works to the highways and implement traffic regulation orders in its capacity as highway authority.

11.2 Some of the works required to construct the Project may require a protected species mitigation licence. However, the Council, having procured the necessary reports as part of the planning application for the Project, does not consider that there are any reasons preventing the issue of such licences or permits.

12 THE VIEWS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

12.1 No Government Departments have expressed any views about the proposed development.

13 RELATED APPLICATIONS AND/OR ORDERS

13.1 There are no related orders, applications or appeals which require a co-ordinated decision by the Secretary of State.

14 COMPENSATION ISSUES

14.1 The Council continues to endeavour to discuss the acquisition of private interests so that it can purchase properties and secure rights by agreement rather than compulsorily.

14.2 Owners and tenants of land and/or properties affected by the Order who wish to discuss these issues should contact Patrick Polglase of Cornwall Council at Room 4G, Pydar House, Pydar Street, Truro TR1 1XU, tel: 01872 323848, email: [email protected].

15 THE ORDER, ORDER MAP AND STATEMENT OF REASONS

15.1 In accordance with the guidance issued by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government entitled “Coronavirus (COVID-19): compulsory purchase guidance” the Order and the Order Maps are available online at the following web address: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/saintstrails. Further, copies can be requested either by email at: [email protected] or by telephone (contact: Patrick Polglase) on 07483 427 643. The supporting documents listed in section 18 below are also available at the abovementioned website.

16 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

16.1 Owners and tenants of properties affected by the Order who require Information about the process can contact Patrick Polglase of Cornwall Council. Given Covid 19 restrictions contact is

best made in the first instance by telephone or email: tel: 07483 427 643, email: [email protected].

17 CONCLUSION

17.1 For the reasons set out in this Statement, the Council considers the Order to be within the necessary statutory powers and that a compelling case exists in the public interest which justifies the making and confirming of the Order.

18 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

18.1 The following documents will be available on the Project website at https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/saintstrails and where available direct links to the webpages from which the documents have been sourced have been provided below.

CC1 The Order, the Schedule and the Order Maps.

CC2 Report to Cabinet for the Council’s Cabinet meeting of 18 December 2019 concerning the use of powers of compulsory acquisition to deliver the Saints Trails. https://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/documents/g8915/Public%20reports%20pack%2018th-Dec- 2019%2010.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=10

CC3 Decision of the Council’s Cabinet meeting of 18 December 2019 concerning the use of powers of compulsory acquisition to deliver the Saints Trails. https://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/documents/g8915/Decisions%2018th-Dec- 2019%2010.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=2

CC4 Officer’s delegated report regarding the grant of planning permission reference PA20/02222. Link to the Council’s planning portal: http://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online- applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=Q70Q7VFG1UR00

CC5 Planning permission reference PA20/02222 dated 13 October 2020 for new multi user trail between Goonvrea Road, St Agnes and Chiverton Cross. Link to the Council’s planning portal: http://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online- applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=Q70Q7VFG1UR00

CC6 Approved plans – General Arrangement Plans Sheets 1 – 16. Link to the Council’s planning portal: http://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-

applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=Q70Q7VFG1UR00

CC7 Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (Department for Transport) (2017) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycling-and-walking-investment-strategy

CC8 Gear Change: A bold vision for cycling and walking (Department for Transport) (July 2020) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment _data/file/904146/gear-change-a-bold-vision-for-cycling-and-walking.pdf

CC9 Sustrans Bike Life Report (2019). https://www.sustrans.org.uk/bike-life

CC10 National Planning Policy Framework (2019). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/fil e/810197/NPPF_Feb_2019_revised.pdf

CC11 Cornwall Council Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010 - 2030 (November 2016). https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/ozhj5k0z/adopted-local-plan-strategic-policies-2016.pdf

CC12 St Agnes Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan 2018-2030 (2019). https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/f5jf54ur/st-agnes-neighbourhood-development-plan.pdf

CC13 Cornwall Design Guide (2013). https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/5aepjq2y/cornwall-design-guide-main-contents.pdf

CC14 Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2016-2021 (2016). https://www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/management-plan

CC15 Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site Management Plan 2013 – 2018. https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/Data/West%20Devon%20Locality%20(County)%20Committee/2 0121122/Minutes/supplementary%20information-PTE-12-80.pdf

CC16 Climate Change Plan: creating conditions for change through direct action and a new form of place based leadership for Cornwall to become net carbon neutral (July 2019). https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/y5mctbyu/climate-change-action-plan.pdf

18.2 If a public inquiry into the confirmation of the Order is called, the Council may refer to or include in evidence further documents and will seek to notify the inquiry and any remaining objectors of any such documents as soon as possible in advance of the commencement of any inquiry.

Cornwall Council Pydar House Pydar Street Truro TR1 1XU