Statement from the Crugmeer Society on Crugmeer Farm Development 2006/02500

Planning Committee meeting on 17 July 2007



The Crugmeer Society supports, in principle, alternative use of the stone built barns. However, their preservation is not dependent on a new build Conference Centre, on the site of recent prefabricated barns, to which we object strongly. We are pleased that NCDC recommends refusal on transport grounds, but are concerned that no other significant reasons for rejection are cited. We ask the Planning Committee to restate the rejection to include these points:



1 The AONB, the Campaign for Rural England, RSPB, the Cornish Buildings Group and LandUse, among others, object to the impact of significant new build and associated infrastructure on the landscape of a sensitive area. Crugmeer is in the heart of an AONB and the proposals put at risk ancient hedgerows, corn buntings and other wildlife.



2. ENV1 states that 'Development proposals will not be permitted where they adversely affect the character and amenity of these [AONB] areas unless the development is required in the proven national interest and no alternatives are available'. The national interest is not proven. The National Association of AONBs is monitoring the possible precedent NCDC may set.



3. Some alleged supporters, e.g. Combined Universities Cornwall, now confirm that although supporting an innovation centre in principle, they do not support the AONB location.



4. The area does not need more conference space as there will be conference space at Wadebridge Show Ground nearby, and the Eden Project.



5 Haven claim benefits for local employment. But they have said that of 12 jobs in the Centre, 8 are part time, freelance consultant jobs, sourced ‘up country' (see business plan*). Catering and cleaning jobs are not full time either.



6. Haven claims the project will benefit local hoteliers, yet in Phase 2 of their business plan they propose developing accommodation. Phase 2 is not yet submitted for planning approval, so is not technically germane to this application, but Haven’s future plans are in the public domain because they sought public money to support their plans.



7 The funders, and significant shareholders, are Rowe & Co Properties Ltd – specialists in developing luxury housing in 'sensitive' areas. The companies share some of the same directors.



8 From correspondence and public meetings we know that the venue, when not needed for the innovation service, is available for hire, for example for conferences, wedding receptions or exhibitions. No event management plan exists for when the venue is rented out. The floorplan of the building allows for over 100 people.



9 Of 242 objectors – 77 are within 5 miles of Crugmeer (to which could be added 55 local residents who signed a letter to HRH Prince Charles rather than have names available to the Prideaux Brune Estate). Only 7 individual supporters live within 5 miles of Crugmeer.



Signed Peter Pearce - for the Crugmeer Society