Business boss demands cabinet member act over car park concerns

A BUSINESS boss has appealed to Cornwall Council to remove a car park as a potential site for a care home.

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren has written an open letter to Dan Rogerson (Bodmin St Mary's & St Leonard), the cabinet member for parking, following a proposal to relocate Penberthy Care Home on Mount Wise to Tregunnel Hill car park, Newquay.

He called on the unitary authority to prioritise alternative brownfield and redevelopment opportunities available in Newquay due to business concerns trade in the town centre would be detrimentally impacted if further car park spaces are lost.

Mr Warren, in the open letter, said: “The letter represents the concerns not only of Newquay BID but also of hundreds of local businesses, residents and visitors who value the importance of maintaining adequate town centre parking. Our petition opposing the loss of parking spaces has attracted more than 925 signatures in a short period of time, demonstrating the overwhelming strength of feeling across our community.

“There are several important facts that cannot be ignored. When the homeless pods were approved for Tregunnel Hill car park, there was a clear 10-year commitment that the land would ultimately be returned to public parking because of its importance to Newquay's economy and infrastructure. It is therefore deeply concerning that this commitment now appears to be at risk.

“At the same time, Cornwall Council discussed the introduction of a permanent park and ride facility for Newquay that would more than replace the parking spaces lost through the temporary pod development. Years later, that replacement parking has still not materialised. It is unacceptable to consider removing even more parking before delivering what was previously promised.

“Furthermore, when the Tregunnel Hill housing estate was developed, the car park was intended to provide overspill parking for local residents. Removing these spaces will inevitably create additional parking pressures for those living nearby.

“We also reject the suggestion that Tregunnel Hill car park is only heavily used during the peak six weeks of the summer season.

“We have seen the car park operating at or near capacity on numerous weekends and school holidays outside the traditional summer peak. The demand is there throughout the year and continues to grow.

“Perhaps the greatest disappointment is the process itself.

“Discussions appear to have taken place at County Hall before meaningful conversations were held with the organisations and communities who would be most affected. Newquay BID, businesses, residents and families connected with care provision should have been involved from the beginning. Instead, the community first learned of these discussions through the Newquay Voice.

“If Cornwall Council genuinely wishes to support thriving town centres and Cornwall's visitor economy, it cannot continue to regard town centre car parks as the easiest solution whenever land is required.

“Town centre parking is not surplus land. It is essential infrastructure.

“This is not simply about protecting a car park. It is about protecting the future of our town centre, safeguarding local businesses, supporting residents and ensuring that Newquay continues to thrive as a year-round destination.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “We are working with partners across Cornwall to support the development of what is, very much-needed, care home provision.

“As part of this we are working with Sanctuary to identify a new site for Penberthy Care Home in Newquay, as although the current standard of care there is of a high quality, the building is no longer fit for purpose.

“One site up for consideration for this new development is part of Tregunnel car park. We are looking closely at this site but no decision has been made. We are considering other sites as part of this work.

“Transport and accessibility are key to the vitality of Newquay town centre, and we recognise the role parking plays for residents, visitors, workers and local businesses.

“Newquay faces additional pressure during the peak season, which is why our approach has been to support access to the town in a range of ways. This includes providing additional parking at Tolcarne, funding the summer Park and Ride, and improving rail, walking and cycling links through the Mid Cornwall Metro project.

“We will continue to work with stakeholders and the local community to build on the significant investment already made and support access to Newquay town centre.”