A CARE home provider has quelled fears taxpayers’ money will be spent on building a new premises in Newquay.

Sanctuary Care, which is behind plans to relocate Penberthy Care Home on Mount Wise to Tregunnel Hill car park, says it funds the delivery of all its new care homes without the use of any public money.

It follows residents raising concerns the local taxpayer could end up footing the bill for the care home development.

Resident Roger Smyth said: “My understanding is the council are funding this relocation the Sanctuary owned Penberthy Care Home with our tax money. Sanctuary turned over £1.5-billion in 2024/2025.

“They are a not for profit organisation but had a surplus of £215-million. So why are we the taxpayer paying for it?

“I'm sure the council could approve the planning permission, I wouldn't object, but the burden should not be on the taxpayer for only a couple of community beds.”

A spokesperson for Sanctuary said: “We fund the delivery of all our new care homes without the use of any public money and are very proud to be further investing in Cornwall to increase the number of high quality, and much needed, care home beds across the county.”

Campaigners are fighting the plans to relocate Penberthy Care Home to Tregunnel Hill car park due the impact it could have on the surrounding area.

They would like to see Cornwall Council find an alternative location due to concerns trade in the town centre could be impacted if valuable car park spaces are swallowed up to accommodate a care home.

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren has already started a petition and organised a protest against the plans.

There is also anger businesses and residents have not been consulted on the scheme.