Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper

Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Contents

CORNWALL LDF: CORE STRATEGY PLACE-BASED ISSUES PAPER: HELSTON AND THE LIZARD COMMUNITY NETWORK 1 AREA Summary 1 Purpose of paper 1 Helston & The Lizard Community Network Area 2 Key Facts 3 Introduction 4 Housing 5 Local Economy 7 Retail and Town Centres 9 Transport and Accessibility 11 Community facilities 12 People 15 Environment 17 Coast 20 Summary and Key Spatial Issues 22 Appendix A: Community Planning Area Visions / Key Objectives 22 Appendix B: Landscape Character information from the 2007 25 Cornwall Landscape Character Assessment Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Contents Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012 1

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Helston and The Lizard Community Network Area

Summary

Table .1

This paper summarises the key emerging issues for the Helston & The Lizard Community Network Area brought together to inform the Cornwall Core Strategy.

The key issues:

Issue 1 – Address high house prices, lack of affordable housing and lack of elderly & special needs accommodation.

Issue 2 – Reduce rural isolation, particularly in the remote villages and hamlets; lack of regular public transport to access services, work and education.

Issue 3 – Enable the provision of rural workspace and encourage business mentoring & support.

Issue 4 – Ensure development is sensitive to the outstanding natural, built and historic environment of the area.

Issue 5 – Encourage improvements to community services, health care and education provision and enhance current levels of provision where possible. Consideration should also be given to mobile services.

Issue 6 – Boost access to recreational opportunities for young people.

Issue 7 – High dependence on Helston as the main retail and service centre serving the many small rural communities across the area.

Purpose of paper

This is one of a series of papers whose main purpose is to identify the key issues for a specific area of Cornwall. There are nineteen Community Network Areas in Cornwall, based on groupings of parishes as shown on the map below. Community Network Areas were introduced to give communities a stronger voice in helping them deal with complex issues. In this they offer a valuable conduit through which proposed Core Strategy area policies can be refined to reflect local issues through engagement, policy formulation, delivery and local ownership. Further information on Community Network Areas can be found at http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=12439.

The various issues have been identified from a variety of sources including plans and proposals of other organisations. Parish Plans have been very useful in identifying issues, and a summary of the ‘visions’ for each of the Parish Plans undertaken in the Helston & The Lizard Community Network Area is included in Appendix 1. These place-based papers, along with the topic-based 2 Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Helston and The Lizard Community Network Area

Issues Papers, will form the first stage of the development of options for the Core Strategy. A full list of the Core Strategy Issues Papers accessed on the Council’s website http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=22887.

Helston & The Lizard Community Network Area

Description: The Helston & The Lizard Community Network Area Area is a wide geographical area covering a total of 18 Parishes in the former Kerrier District. The area effectively comprises two distinct geographical and cultural areas, the Helston and central Kerrier area and the Lizard peninsula. The area contains a range of settlements as indicated on the map below. Helston is the main town within this area, and therefore acts as the local service centre to the numerous smaller settlements surrounding it. The only other town in the area is Porthleven, whilst larger villages include Mullion, Praze-an-Beeble, St. Keverne and The Lizard. Smaller villages in the area include Ashton, Breage, Cadgwith, Carleen, Coverack, Cury, Germoe, Godolphin Cross, Gweek, Leedstown, Manaccan, Mawgan & Garras, Nancegollan, Porkellis, Porthallow, Praa Sands, Ruan Minor, Sithney, Townshend and Wendron.

Links with other areas: The area has employment related links with the neighbouring towns of Falmouth, Penzance, Camborne and Redruth, with outbound peak traffic flows higher than inbound flows in general. The area is also somewhat divorced from the main transport network – the A30 and the mainline railway. This means that any external travel destinations tend to be accessed via other main towns in the area; i.e. Redruth or Camborne for the nearest railway stations; Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012 3

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Helston and The Lizard Community Network Area

Camborne, Pool or Redruth for access to the A30. The north - south road links between Redruth and Camborne to Helston are particularly poor; whilst road links from Helston to Penzance in the west and Falmouth in the east are better. The Lizard communities are particularly remote which causes high dependence on the private car for access to most services.

Helston & the Lizard Community Network Area - Background Map

employment links to Camborne/ Pool/Illogan/Redruth road links to Falmouth & rest of Cornwall/UK

road and employment links Leedstown to west Cornwall employment

4 links to Truro/Falmouth 9 3 A

A39 employment 4 links to Penzance Helston

Porthleven Manacaan

Cury St Keverne

Mullion

Key 3 Ruan Minor World Heritage Site AONB

Key Facts

Key facts about the Helston & The Lizard Community Network Area include the following (follow www.cornwall.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=20177 for the latest version of the Helston & The Lizard Community Network Profile which gives more information):

PARISHES: Breage, Crowan, Cury, Germoe, Grade-Ruan, Gunwalloe, Gweek, Helston, Landewednack, Manaccan, Mawgan-in-Meneage, Mullion, Porthleven, Sithney, St Anthony-in-Meneage, St Keverne, St Martin-in-Meneage and Wendron.

POPULATION: The total population of the Helston and the Lizard Community Network Area is 32,800, with 11,100 living in Helston. The population growth rate for the period 2001-2008 is similar to the Cornwall average (6%). The age distribution is also close to the Cornwall average.

ENVIRONMENT: The area comprises 28,883 hectares and is defined by its outstanding landscape. Much of the area is designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Heritage Coast. There are also 18 internationally protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and 2 Special 4 Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Helston and The Lizard Community Network Area

Areas of Conservation (SAC). There are Conservation Areas at Breage, Cadgwith, Coverack, Germoe (Churchtown), Helford, Helston (town centre), Pengersick, Porthleven and Tregonning Hill. The area also contains 2 constituent parts of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. The coastal areas contain a number of tourist beaches such as Praa Sands and Poldhu as well as “picturesque” villages such as Helford and Cadgwith.

HOUSING: There were around 15,200 dwellings in 2010, with a 16% increase in dwelling numbers for the period 1991-2010 (average of 20% across Cornwall). As at 31st March 2010 there were 300 dwellings under construction and 220 unimplemented planning permissions. About 1.7% of dwellings were registered as empty properties - Cornwall average 1.7% and 11.1% of properties were registered as second homes – Cornwall average 10.7% (Council Tax, 2011). These figures indicate that a low proportion of dwellings remain vacant, but that there is a higher than average level of competition between permanent and temporary residents. 77 affordable homes are required each year to meet need. Much of the housing consists of low density detached dwellings in the villages and coastal areas.

EMPLOYMENT: RNAS Culdrose employs over 3,000 people and is the largest single site employer in Cornwall. Other notable employment sectors in the area are in education, retail, property services and independent businesses. Unemployment levels in the area are 10.6%, compared to the Cornwall average of 12%, but there are pockets of deprivation and a lack of employment opportunities in the area, especially for young people.

TRAVEL: The community network area is isolated from the main transport network, being removed from the A30 trunk road and the mainline railway route. Both roads from Camborne and Redruth to Helston are poor and public transport links between these centres could be improved. Coach services connect Helston to the south coast, the north and London as well as other Cornish towns. The Lizard communities are particularly remote and public transport services are not as frequent as desired by the local community.

FACILITIES: Helston offers a wide range of services and facilities, from banks and supermarkets to doctors and dentist surgeries, community hospital, secondary school (with 6th form provision), sports centre and a library. Mullion acts as a local service centre for The Lizard communities and provides secondary schooling; whilst a number of other villages contain a range of facilities.

Options Consultation Feedback

Feedback from the public exhibition held in Helston on 24th March show that 52% opted for medium growth across Cornwall (48,000 new homes) and 60% preferred the dispersed approach to distribution (growth split between main towns and villages). In addition, all the town and parish councils within the network area who expressed a view preferred the dispersed approach.

Introduction

The following tables provide the link between the ‘Topic Based Issues Papers’ and the ‘Place Based Issues Papers’. Each table explores the evidence relating to this Community Network Area against the main themes from a policy and community viewpoint, and concludes by identifying specific issues. Housing Cornwall

Table .2

Housing: This table will explore the evidence relating to housing – future growth, balance in the housing stock, tenure mix, quality,

deprivation, second homes, in-migration, affordability and housing need. Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will LDF: be identified under ‘Issues for Consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View(1) Issues for Consideration

The draft Regional Spatial Strategy directed 14,400 new Need for affordable housing, Development growth in the Strategy dwellings to the former Kerrier district, of which 11,900 particularly to rent. villages to help sustain local should be in the urban areas of Camborne, Pool, Need for starter homes, services and facilities. Redruth and Penryn, leaving 2,500 dwellings for the particularly near to Affordable housing to meet remainder of the former district. However with the employment centres and local needs, particularly to abolition of the RSS by the current government, housing amenities. rent. Place-based targets will need to be determined more locally. Need for elderly and special Elderly and special needs The The West Cornwall Housing Market Assessment shows needs accommodation. accommodation required. that there is a lack of low cost housing to buy in all Investigate potential sites for Higher than average levels Lizard areas. However, more recent Hometrack information affordable housing. of second homes in some Helston (November 09) shows that the affordability ratio Ensure future development rural and coastal & Issues (average house price compared to average earnings) settlements. Community

is targeted for a high level of Lizard ranges between 9.1:1 in St. Keverne to 5.5:1 in Helston affordable housing (not large Need to locate affordable

North ward. private developments). housing developments Place Land Registry figures place the average price of a close to service and Ensure that infrastructure is Paper:

(2) Based dwelling on The Lizard peninsula at over £379,000 , considered before housing employment provision. one of the highest priced areas within Cornwall. development can proceed. Issues

There is an acute lack of socially rented accommodation Network

across the area. Helston Paper Housing waiting lists: particular need for 1 and 2

bedroomed accommodation. - January Area and

1 The views in this column reflect the views expressed by communities, predominantly in their parish and town plans, where these are available. A more comprehensive list of views as expressed 2012 in parish and town plans in this Community Network Area is shown as an appendix to this document. 2 Land Registry 2008 5 6 Helston The Second home levels reach over 14% in some rural and Cornwall coastal settlements. & Lizard

The Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment Lizard (GTAA) has outlined the need to develop both residential Place

and transit sites throughout Cornwall. This includes 30 LDF:

permanent residential pitches and 5 transit pitches in Community Based the former Kerrier area up to 2011. There is no specific Core

breakdown for Helston, although the GTAA recommends Issues a residential site for New Travellers in the Lizard area

and a transit site for unspecified groups at either Helston Paper or The Lizard. There are currently unauthorised Traveller Strategy - Network

encampments in both areas and a history of Gypsy and January Traveller encampments in the past.

Summary: New housing provision in the area could have an impact on the ability to provide affordable housing, elderly 2012 Place-based and special needs accommodation which is much needed in the area. The issue of second home levels in the area may Area also need a policy response. Issues Paper: Helston and Local Economy Cornwall

Table .3

Local Economy: This table will explore the evidence relating to the local economy, including regeneration and tourism – economic

activity, unemployment, deprivation, regeneration, dominant industries, occupation levels, skills, and the ability to work locally. LDF: Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration

Much of Helston’s economy is linked to RNAS Culdrose, Develop additional business Develop employment sites Strategy which covers over 600 hectares and employs in excess space for start up businesses that are fit for purpose and of 3,000 service personnel, contractors and civil and ‘grow on’ space. ready for businesses to servants. It is the largest single site employer in Support the food and relocate to. Cornwall. produce sector including Provision of rural Helston Business Park was serviced for employment Farmer’s markets. workspace. Place-based purposes in 2006 through funding from the RDA. The Promote the creative arts Commuter transport from The Park will include office and industrial uses, but as yet business sector. The Lizard to key no development has taken place, which has caused Provide business support, employment towns. Lizard local concern and has negatively affected investor mentoring and coaching to The underemployment of Helston confidence. tourism and rural businesses. higher skilled people and & Issues Helston’s main industrial estate – Water-ma-Trout – is graduates. Community

Support and encourage micro Lizard now fully developed. businesses. Persistent out migration of

Redevelopment is currently taking place at the former Creation of a rural business youth population. Place cattle market in Helston to develop 608sq m of business

cluster. Tourism is significant to the Paper: workspace. Support compilation of a best area’s economy in providing Based Redevelopment of Goonhilly Earth Station as a space practice toolkit for farmers jobs and income for local Issues science centre is currently being discussed. employing international people. Network Helston

Unemployment is particularly high on The Lizard workers. Paper peninsula. Address rural transport -

Higher levels of self-employment are apparent in the issues and the lack of January

more remote areas, where there were also high commuter bus facilities for Area percentages of people working at home. those on The Lizard who and need to access employment 2012 7 8 Helston The The economy is characterised by a high number of small in Helston, Penzance or other Cornwall and medium enterprises of between 10 and 200 towns. & Lizard

employees, but approximately 80% are Sustainable tourism. Lizard micro-businesses, with less than 5 employees. Encourage tourism Place

There are believed to be in excess of 3,000 transient businesses to meet agreed LDF:

international seasonal workers in West Cornwall, rising standards. Community Based to 4,000 during the peak season. Support the South Kerrier Core

Alliance projects which result Issues in increased economic

development for the area. Paper Strategy - Network

Summary: With the exception of RNAS Culdrose and education, the area is heavily reliant on micro businesses and January tourist related businesses. The community view is focused on the need for business support and mentoring for these businesses and the development of fit-for-purpose workspace. Accessibility to work is a key problem for those living in 2012

the most remote communities. Place-based Area Issues Paper: Helston and Retail and Town Centres Cornwall

Table .4

Retail and Town Centres: This table will explore the evidence relating to retail and town centres – levels of convenience,

comparison and service retail outlets, self-containment, competition from other centres’, shopper needs, capacity for growth, and LDF: loss of facilities. Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration

The 2010 Cornwall Retail Study indicates that: Support for farmers The viability of Helston town Strategy markets. centre which serves a large The health of the town centre is considered to be Support farmers, growers, rural catchment area. good and there is a good range of convenience fishermen, processors Review levels of facilities in shopping facilities (i.e. the provision of everyday and businesses to larger villages which act as essential items such as food and drink), albeit become active suppliers local service centres, ie Place-based located in out of centre locations. for the local food Mullion, St. Keverne and The The In the future the focus should be on identifying economy and help them Lizard.

proposals which can maintain and enhance the town to extend to external Consider rural retail Lizard centre. markets. opportunities. Helston Support village Support for local food &

A new Sainsbury supermarket opened in 2010 and also Issues post-offices and shops. providers. Community in 2010 the Tesco store was demolished to make way Lizard for a new store of double the original size. Place A Town Centre Manager has been appointed at Helston Paper:

to increase the overall viability and vibrancy of the town Based centre. Issues

South Kerrier Alliance are launching a shoppers loyalty Network

card in order to strengthen brand and business loyalty Helston and so retain economic impact locally and stop money Paper leaking out of the locality. - Some of the smaller settlements have suffered a loss January Area

of facilities in recent years. There have been 2 post office and 2012 9 10 Helston The closures in the community network area since 2008, Cornwall both of which served rural settlements. & Lizard Lizard Summary: As the main retail and service centre serving the many small rural communities across the area, the viability

of Helston town centre is a key issue. Maintain levels of facilities in other rural communities, especially Mullion. Place LDF: Community Based Core Issues Paper Strategy - Network January 2012 Place-based Area Issues Paper: Helston and Transport and Accessibility Cornwall

Table .5

Transport and Accessibility: This table will explore the evidence relating to transport and accessibility – opportunities for walking

and cycling, use of private vehicles and public transport, road/rail/air/water networks, and connections within and outside the area. LDF: Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration

Helston & The Lizard are isolated from the main transport Develop community Poor public transport Strategy network, being removed from the A30 trunk road and transport schemes (e.g. accessibility on The Lizard the mainline railway route. Dial A Ride, community peninsula. The nearest railway stations are at Camborne or bus, car sharing, High dependence on the Redruth. dedicated youth minibus, private car. Place-based The Lizard communities are particularly remote from the taxi scheme etc). Affordability of public transport. main transport network, and public transport services Improve pedestrian links Road safety. The are not as regular as desired. In particular, there is no to community facilities / commuter bus out to the main towns to enable residents schools. Lizard to access work opportunities. Improve bus services, Helston There are no direct bus services to the Royal Cornwall and timetabling to better & Issues Hospital, Truro. meet the needs of those Community Lizard High dependence on the private car for access to most living in remote rural

services. areas. Place Enable better access to

Travel by bus can be expensive and time consuming. Paper: Public concerns about road safety are focused on employment and training Based speeding and dangerous driving. Problem areas by public transport. Issues identified by PACT (3)include The Lizard, Porthleven and Increased parking Network

provision. Helston Wendron. Paper

Summary: Access to community services and employment opportunities by public transport is a key issue. - January Area and 2012

3 Partners and Communities Together, June 2008 1 1 12 Helston The Community facilities Cornwall &

Table .6 Lizard Lizard

Community facilities: This table will explore the evidence relating to community facilities, including health, recreation and open Place space – health care, education, meeting places, formal and informal sports spaces, open space, and loss of facilities. Evidence LDF: Community that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of Based the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Issues Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration Paper Helston has a Community Hospital with Minor Injuries Provide increased access Additional and / or mobile NHS Strategy - Network

Unit. to NHS dentists and dentist services are required. January GP surgeries are at Helston, Praze-an-Beeble, mobile health services. Retention and enhancement of Porthleven, Mullion and St. Keverne, and some part-time Ensure health services local health services.Sustaining 2012

branch facilities. are accessible to rural primary schools in village Place-based residents. locations with falling numbers. Other hospital services are at Treliske Hospital in Truro. Area West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance is easier to access Promote healthy living Support Mullion School which than Treliske for much of the population of the Helston and lifestyles. serves a wide rural catchment. and the Lizard area, but has seen a cut in several Promote Mullion Health Helston College is in need of services, including the children’s department. Centre. redevelopment in order to There are NHS dentist surgeries in Helston but they are Helston to Treliske bus establish a modern learning Issues not taking any new NHS patients at present. service is too slow. environment. Persistent long term unemployment and dependency Secure future of local Many 6th form students on Government benefits through health related issues. schools. currently choose to travel to

There are 3 primary schools in Helston, and 19 primary Work with local colleges other, more modern, colleges Paper: schools in the remainder of the community network area, and experts to offer local in neighbouring areas. which reflects the rural extent of the area. training opportunities. Travel to school / college from There are 2 secondary schools in the community network Identify types of evening rural areas. Helston area (Helston and Mullion), with 6th form provision at classes required and type Assessment of levels of open Helston. of facilities needed. space facilities needed for A new Youth Café opened in Helston in 2011. Support the local Primary Helston and The Lizard. school network with key and There are new-build aspirations for Helston Community plans for enhancing the Accessibility to recreational Cornwall College which could also see health services located on learning environment and facilities, particularly youth site. provision of additional activities. St. Keverne has a higher percentage of the population facilities Lack of amenities in remote with no qualifications than the Cornish average at 31.5%. Improve links between rural areas. (4) school and community LDF: The numerous beaches and waterways in the area and explore use of shared community/school provide for informal recreation and water based activities Core such as surfing, gig rowing and sailing. facilities. Youth activities and amenities including a

new Youth Café in Strategy Helston and a young person’s meeting space in Porthleven. Provision of new play Place-based equipment. The Access to affordable youth sport for those on the Lizard peninsula. Lizard Access to mobile Helston skateboard facilities at St. & Issues Community

Keverne. Lizard Conduct audit of existing

facilities & buildings. Place

Refurbishment Paper: programme for halls. Based

Encourage recycling. Issues Support community Network Helston

sports facilities and Paper facilitate support to boost -

the supply chain of local January Area and 2012

4 Office for National Statistics, Census 2001 statistics. 13 14 Helston The organisations for the Cornwall Olympics. & (5) Lizard PACT groups for both Lizard the Helston Town and Place

The Lizard areas scored LDF:

youth facilities as their top Community Based priority in 2009. Youth Core

provision was also a high Issues priority for Porthleven.

Plug gaps in play Paper provision. Strategy - Network

Support the January redevelopment of Helston Community 2012

College. Place-based Area

Summary: The level of service provision and community facilities are inadequate or inaccessible across much of the area which is a key issues for the area, requiring solutions. Local support for the Helston College re-build programme. Open Spaces Audit needed to assess provision across the area. Issues Paper: Helston and

5 Partners and Communities Together, March 2009 People Cornwall

Table .7

People: This table will explore the evidence relating to people, including demographics, education & skills, social inclusion, crime

& anti-social behaviour – age profile, social deprivation, health, safety, perceptions’ of crime, qualifications and skills. Evidence LDF: that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration

(6)

Total population of 32,500 in 2007. There are a higher Involve young people in The urban / rural split with Strategy number of young families in the area, possibly due to decisions that have a younger people tending to live the presence of military personnel at Culdrose airbase. direct or indirect impact in the town centres could have Approximately half of the population live in the main on their future. an impact on the rural towns and half live in rural areas, with younger people Encourage young people communities, where services tending to live in the town centres where accommodation to get involved in could be lost and accessibility Place-based is cheaper and more affordable housing is developed. volunteering. worsen. The The English Indices of Multiple Deprivation show low Influence key statutory Rural deprivation issues may percentages of poverty in this area, compared to the organisations to invest not feature on statistics as Lizard Cornish average. However, there are pockets of resources, enabling key counter balanced by more Helston deprivation both within Helston town centre and in some support groups and help wealthy rural dwellers. & Issues of the outlying communities. lines to continue Safety initiatives for Helston Community Lizard 1,300 people in the area live in the 20% most deprived supporting vulnerable (increased police presence (7)

wards in England. groups. needed?). Place The highest rates of violence in Cornwall are in the town Develop health and family Paper: centres where the majority of violent assaults are linked support projects including Based to alcohol and the night-time economy. Although violence increased outreach and Issues

in Helston is fairly low, there has been a deteriorating community/mobile Network

trend over recent years. services. Community Helston Paper The Police's Restorative Justice programme is reporting safety initiatives needed.

success and the Helston Town warden and the Police Increased police - January

presence. Area and 2012 6 ONS 2007 mid year estimates 7 Community Network Profiles, Cornwall Council, May 2009 15 16 Helston The Community Support Officers have been effective in Work with the Youth Cornwall addressing anti-social behaviour and related issues. Offending Team and & Lizard

Although crime is relatively low, the fear of crime by community groups who Lizard residents is still an issue. The relative distance from a specialise in supporting Place

police station (Helston is the only one within the area) young people with LDF:

could also be an issue. In addition, Helston police station preventative programmes Community Based no longer has a public access desk since police cuts which will tackle crime

issues etc. Core were made in 2011. Issues Tackle speeding of traffic. Paper

Summary: There is a widening divide between town issues and rural issues within the area. According to statistics, Strategy - people living in the towns are more deprived than people living in the rural areas, but deprivation is also prevalent in Network January the rural areas, and could worsen with the loss of community services, public transport etc. 2012 Place-based Area Issues Paper: Helston and Environment Cornwall

Table .8

Environment: This table will explore the evidence relating to the environment – biodiversity, geodiversity, landscape & seascape,

historic environment, flooding, soil, air and water. Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under LDF: ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration

The area contains many sites which are of historical, Special environmental High quality landscape, coastal Strategy archaeological, environmental and ecological areas to be identified and, and historical values. importance. working with partners, Should the nucleated There are a rich variety of habitats and topographical actions taken to ensure settlement patterns and local features including Loe Bar, The Lizard peninsula, they are preserved. vernacular be enhanced / Goonhilly Downs, river valleys and creeks, and sandy Encourage increased protected? Place-based beaches. These assets are valued at a local, regional, levels of co-operation What scale of development is The national and international level under a variety of between land managers appropriate in these sensitive environmental designations. to ensure high quality locations? Lizard Much of the area is designated Area of Outstanding environment for wildlife, What design criteria needs to Helston Natural Beauty (AONB). There are also 18 internationally management of marginal be applied in these locations? & Issues protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and land to maximise potential Community

Promotion of sustainable Lizard 2 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), The Lizard and for wildlife etc. tourism.

Tregonning Hill. Encourage and promote Protection of key Place Landscape character: The area contains (parts of) a the Environmental

environmental assets. Paper: number of landscape character areas as described in Stewardship Scheme to Monitoring of environmental Based (8) Appendix B . a wide audience of qualities and pollution needed. Issues Beaches provide the focus for tourism, recreation and farmers and growers. Monitoring of flood defence Network

water based activities. Promote sustainable Helston schemes. Paper Climate change issues along the coastline may have an approaches to land Capacity of sewage treatment

impact on harbours and coastal features. management / organic - works. January farming. Area and 2012

8 Cornwall Landscape Character Assessment (2007) 17 18 Helston The Helston town centre and many of the villages have Community composting. Consideration of the outputs of Cornwall designated Conservation Areas. To support community the next round of Shoreline & Lizard

There are many nucleated settlement patterns in this projects which seek to Management Plans. Lizard area, and much of the area retains local vernacular in enhance the landscape, Monitoring of environmental Place

the built environment. such as ‘Edible qualities and pollution needed. LDF:

Heritage importance of the historic Kennels in Helston Landscapes’ project etc. Community Based town centre. Promote the Wendron Core

The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Mining district to visitors. Issues Heritage Site is the largest World Heritage Site in the Pressing water

country, covering 10 discrete areas, of which 2, the companies and private Paper Tregonning and Gwinear mining district with Trewavas, dischargers to make Strategy - Network

and the Wendron Mining District are within the improvements (to ensure January community network area. that sewage works have appropriate tertiary Many settlements have seen flood defence schemes 2012

implemented over recent years. treatment and that no raw Place-based

Helston is designated as a Critical Drainage Area by the sewage enters Area Environment Agency. watercourses or coastal An Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive applies to waters). Helston Sewage Treatment Works so it needs to meet The Environment Agency set limits which will need to be taken into consideration advises that the maintenance of the UK

for future developments that will impact on this works. Issues For all bathing waters consideration should be given to Biodiversity Action Plan the impact of development on water quality, especially sand dune habitats at with regard to increased loadings on the sewerage Praa Sands is important network. and should be considered Paper: Loe Pool, which is very sensitive to changes in water against a future retention quality needs improvement. In recent decades, there and enhancement of this habitat across have been water quality problems in Loe Pool and it has (9) Helston suffered from eutrophication since the 1930s. Cornwall. Tidal flooding may be an increasing issue with sea level rise. and

9 See Options Response Schedules for full details www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=22887 Summary: The outstanding natural landscape, combined with the historic built environment, is the area’s greatest quality Cornwall and also its tourist draw. Careful consideration therefore needs to be given to the location, scale and design of new development. Flooding is an issue at Helston and the coastal area; water quality is an issue at Loe Pool. LDF: Core Strategy Place-based The Lizard Helston & Issues Community Lizard Place Paper: Based Issues Network Helston Paper - January Area and 2012 19 20 Helston The Coast Cornwall &

Table .9 Lizard Lizard

Coast: This table will explore the evidence relating to the coast. Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be Place identified under ‘Issues for Consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference LDF: Community between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Based Core

Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration Issues

Key characteristics of this area of coast are its rugged Support a scheme for the Climate change and sea level Paper coastline, with cliffs, large sandy beaches and pocket restoration and renewal of rise. Strategy - Network

coves, and small isolated coastal communities Porthleven harbour to Future of the harbours and January traditionally based on fishing and mining but more lately safeguard its future and ports. tourism. viability as a working port. Future access to the coast. 2012

There are a number of small ports and fishing harbours Liaise with owner of the Protection and enhancement Place-based such as Porthleven, Mullion Cove, Cadgwith, Coverack, Helford Ferry to determine of the AONB and of Area Porthoustock within the area which are important to the improvements required to undeveloped coast. local economy and the sustainable transport network. ferry service (e.g. disabled Water based recreation The Coastal Zone is the most significant environmental access). opportunities. resource of the area in terms of the provision of natural Develop a strategy to Define coastal zone or habitat, visual amenity and tourist attraction to the area. restore local sea fish coastal zone management Issues All coastline in this area, including the Helford Estuary stocks. area. is designated AONB, and broadly the area from English Nature to be Porthleven to Cadgwith is Heritage Coast. consulted on the different

There are numerous SSSI designations covering almost methods that could be Paper: the entire coastline. employed to protect The South West coastal footpath is a significant coastline. recreation asset enjoyed by both residents and tourists. Support the Helford Helston Mullion Harbour and other localised frontages will come Community Jetty scheme under increasing pressure from rising sea levels and which could result in a wide increased storminess range of benefits both for The Mullion Harbour Study acknowledges that the effects the fishing industry and the and of climate change and sea level rise will mean that at local economy. some point in the future the cove will revert back to its Cornwall natural state of an undeveloped bay.(10) Draft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2) objectives include:-

Helford - allow the natural evolution of the estuary LDF: recognising the need to maintain the identity and viability of the estuarine settlements through reducing flood risks and maintaining the limited Core recreational and amenity facilities (draft SMP2 zone

4). Strategy Lizard peninsula - Allow the natural evolution of the coast while maintaining the viability and identity of the coastal communities and Heritage Coast objectives (draft SMP zone 5). Gunwalloe to Marazion - support AONB and Place-based Heritage Coast objectives; maintain locally important The infrastructure and access route including coastal

path in order to sustain the economic viability of the Lizard smaller coastal settlements (draft SMP2 zone 6). Helston & Issues Community Summary: Coastal issues are integral to this area. The future of the small ports in this area is a key issue as is protection Lizard of the coast as a tourism/economic asset. Place Paper: Based Issues Network Helston Paper - January Area and 2012

10 Mullion Harbour Study, 2004, commissioned by the National Trust 21 22 Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Helston and The Lizard Community Network Area

Summary and Key Spatial Issues

Table .10

This paper summarises the key emerging issues for the Helston & The Lizard Community Network Area brought together to inform the Cornwall Core Strategy.

The key issues:

Issue 1 – Address high house prices, lack of affordable housing and lack of elderly & special needs accommodation.

Issue 2 – Reduce rural isolation, particularly in the remote villages and hamlets; lack of regular public transport to access services, work and education.

Issue 3 – Enable the provision of rural workspace and encourage business mentoring & support.

Issue 4 – Ensure development is sensitive to the outstanding natural, built and historic environment of the area.

Issue 6 – Boost access to recreational opportunities for young people.

Issue 7 – High dependence on Helston as the main retail and service centre serving the many small rural communities across the area.

Appendix A: Community Planning Area Visions / Key Objectives

Table .11

Document Summary of “vision”

A Brighter Future: By 2026 we envisage: Working together for everyone enjoying a high quality of life, our towns and villages South Kerrier (2006) flourishing and those services and local businesses that we value supported and thriving having healthy and balanced communities with sufficient low cost energy efficient housing for local people of all ages who want to stay in the area supporting, refurbishing and developing community places and facilities protecting the interests of all vulnerable groups within our communities Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012 23

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Helston and The Lizard Community Network Area

developing innovation in our services, integrating health and welfare, providing information, family support, educational opportunities, leisure and youth facilities valuing the contribution that our young people make to their communities, families and schools ensuring that all children, young people and their families enjoy equal access to high quality education, training, and leisure facilities developing and supporting our voluntary sector providing good access to opportunities, services, culture, leisure, sport and the countryside valuing our exceptional natural environment, recognising that it is one of the area’s main strengths and is key to our area’s economic success creating long term prosperity by building on our existing award winning sustainable tourism and rural businesses and developing new business opportunities promoting sustainable tourism, farming, fishing and our local food economy without exceeding the carry capacity of the area’s environment creating and sustaining the partnership intended to deliver this plan.

Cury Parish Plan (2002) An improved parish for the benefit of residents and visitors, young and old.

Grade Ruan Parish Plan To improve and enhance the environment. (2004) To encourage diversity in the local wildlife. To protect and conserve our local environment, for the enjoyment of future generations. To encourage recycling and composting. To improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians. To improve parking facilities for residents. To reduce congestion and ensure clear access for emergency services. To offer as wide a range of facilities for community activities as possible. To promote the artistic talents and aspirations of all within the parish. To provide suitable venues for local talent in cultural events. To see the construction of a new sports pavilion. To ensure that residents have access to the full range of medical services. 24 Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Helston and The Lizard Community Network Area

To ensure that affordable housing is available to local residents who need it. To encourage training and employment opportunities for all within Grade Ruan. To ensure everyone has access to the training and information they need. To facilitate and encourage local employment within the parish. To encourage local-based markets and finance, and improve the prosperity of the area.

Manaccan & St. Anthony Limited housing development ensuring that houses that are built Parish Plan (2005) provide affordable accommodation for local people. Improved community facilities through support and development of post office/shop and village hall facilities. Residents to enjoy a safe crime free parish, with appropriate traffic speeds and less traffic congestion. Residents to enjoy a healthy active lifestyle within the parish, with improved leisure and sport opportunities and adequate access to health facilities. Improved local environment through improvements to the village, developing re-cycling facilities and investigation into resolving current sewage problems.

St. Keverne Parish Plan Ensure that the housing needs of local people are adequately (2003) provided for. Encourage the inclusion of the younger generations to ensure the future vitality of the community. Ensure that the educational needs of local people are adequately provided for. Ensure that improvements are in keeping with the existing character and spirit of the community. Maintain and enhance the Cornish character and heritage of the Parish and preserve the historical aspects of the villages.

The Five Parishes Plan Traffic & Transport - Safer roads and better transport links/facilities (2004) throughout the five parishes. Community facilities - To support or create thriving services, (Breage, Crowan, without threat of closure, to meet our parishioners’ needs. Germoe, Environment - A natural and built environment that is both preserved and enhanced. Sithney & Wendron) Health - An NHS dental surgery in the area. Play - To provide quality play equipment, for 0-12 year olds. Leisure - Leisure, recreational and sporting facilities that are safe and accessible, and which encourage all to participate. Housing - Good quality affordable homes for local need and starter homes. All new development to be sustainably located and Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012 25

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Helston and The Lizard Community Network Area

designed to blend in and reflect the character of the existing settlements and the surrounding natural environment. Crime – Safe and crime free environment. Work - Enhanced facilities and services including local food produce and local exchange schemes, as well as training & childcare provision, to assist residents in finding employment.

Porthleven Regeneration The vision for Porthleven in 2012 is of a traditional working port, Strategy & Action Plan celebrated for its unique historic harbour, its rugged beauty, outstanding natural environment and exceptional quality of life. 2002-2012

St. Martin Parish Plan Measures to improve community safety. (2006) Road safety issues. Actions to obtain Conservation Area status and improve recycling. Improved parish communication.

The vision of St Martin is of a parish of unspoilt Cornish character and

outstanding natural beauty with facilities to provide the needs of a thriving local community of all ages.

Gweek Parish Plan The emerging data as of 2010 is as follows:- Environment is a key issue. (draft) 67% want a public slipway that they can use to access the water etc. Increase levels of recycling and variety of what can be recycled etc. 88% support community generated power as a key aspiration in being sustainable in the community. Maintenance of rights of way, roads, trees & hedges and verges are cited as important and a big issue.

Mawgan-in-Meneage (Summary from proposals) Parish Plan (2004) A landscaped park benefiting all age groups Permanent skateboard park is sought Improved parking facilities and access Enhanced community facilities / activities

Appendix B: Landscape Character information from the 2007 Cornwall Landscape Character Assessment

COMMUNITY NETWORK AREA 9 – HELSTON & THE LIZARD

Landscape Character information Helston and the Lizard Area:- 26 Helston & Lizard Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Helston and The Lizard Community Network Area

Evidence and Policy Context

Landscape Character Areas (LCA):

LCA 6 Mount's Bay East LCA 7 South Lizard Peninsula LCA 8 North-East Lizard Peninsula LCA 9 Helford Ria LCA 10 Carnmenellis

www.cornwall.gov.uk/cornwall_landscape (underscore between cornwall and landscape)

Issues for Consideration

Environment

Conserve recreational opportunities by managing the coast path, and use local materials to reduce the impact of necessary car parks at key locations. Underlying unique geological combination of rare igneous and metamorphic rocks creates a distinct, designated, upland plateau of heath whose biodiversity needs to be managed and maintained. Conserve and enhance the nucleated settlement pattern typical of this area ensuring new development is not out of scale or pattern with the landscape character. Conserve the local character of the transport network by resisting road straightening and road signage clutter. Sensitive restoration of former mineral / stone workings, including the removal of derelict structures of no historic value. Develop management plan for tourism in the area looking at access to the coastal footpath, Loe Pool, and Helford Estuary. Support the Environment Agency in the management of the Helford River. Heritage Coast. Wendron Mining District WHS. Link the management and strategic planning of Network Area 9 with other adjacent network areas:-

South Coast Western Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Network Areas 7,9,13. Tregonning and Gwinear Mining District - World Heritage Site - Network Areas 8, 9, 13.