Cornwall Council is facing criticism after campaigners accused it of breaking a promise to deliver affordable homes in Penzance. Cabinet members have hit back at what they call misinformation ahead of a protest that will see a giant turd pulled along the seafront.
The theatrical protest, organised under the name Random Act of Art, is due to take place today, Bank Holiday Monday, August 31, at 11am. Organisers say the council went back on a promise to deliver 11 affordable homes as part of the redevelopment of Coinagehall Street.
Campaigners will dress as flies and drag a huge poo emoji from Newlyn Green along the seafront to the development site near Jubilee Pool. They describe it as "a gift from the flies to Treveth, Cornwall Council and South West Water – whether or not representatives are there to receive it". Their message is: "The flies are delighted … with the s**t job they are doing."
The council and its construction company, Treveth, argue that the affordable properties will still be built, but through a different funding mechanism.
Event organisers said: "The protest is over what can be built on the site above St Anthony Gardens where Treveth, a company 99 per cent owned by Cornwall Council, have spent £3.6 million on making the garden step-free. The second phase of the proposed development promised 11 affordable homes alongside market-value ones, but then went back on that promise … though retaining the premium penthouses."
They added: "A lot of local resistance and campaigning has already been worked on … so we decided that it’s time to do something different – a theatrical and spectacular happening to bring more attention to this mess."
Leading members of Cornwall Council’s Liberal Democrat/Independent administration have responded. Cllr Peter La Broy, cabinet member for housing, said: "It’s very important for us to deliver as many affordable houses as we possibly can, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do at Coinagehall Street. Misinformation is really damaging and could actually lead to nothing being built at all.
"Last year we delivered over 800 affordable homes in Cornwall, and I need to keep those numbers up. So please judge us on what we deliver, not on hearsay."
Cllr Tim Dwelly, member for economic regeneration and investment, added: "Cornwall Council will not allow this site to be developed without affordable housing in the mix as set out. So if you’re hearing news to the contrary, please ignore it. It’s not true.
"This site will have no holiday homes or second homes – it will all be homes for local people."
Tim Mulholland, managing director of Treveth, has previously issued a statement to reassure the community. He said there is no change in the company’s commitment to the scheme or to providing affordable homes, only in how it will be done.
He said: "We want to reassure the local community that this planning application does not represent a change in our commitment to delivering the Coinagehall Street scheme; rather, it has been submitted to ensure the development can move forward this year, subject to planning approval.
"This application relates to a proposed change in how the affordable homes would be delivered. Rather than being secured through the Section 106 agreement, the proposal is for the affordable homes to be provided through an application to Homes England Social and Affordable Housing Programme.
"The planning application is the only mechanism available to demonstrate the scheme’s viability and enable an application to Homes England for funding. This is not a situation unique to Coinagehall Street – similar challenges are affecting housing developments across Cornwall and the wider UK."
The procession will be led by drummers and singers, and will include buzzing flies, kazoos, mock television reporters and speeches delivered by flies with the help of a "fly translator." The event will also be filmed as part of a documentary.
Anyone who wishes to take part is welcome and is asked to wear dark clothes. Masks, wings and kazoos will be provided.
Council Vows to Deliver Affordable Homes Despite Protest