When Phil Mason was questioned repeatedly about his visionless and random "strategy" for house-building, with taxpayers funding developers' costs again and again, at successful appeals by developers, and an unpopular Local Plan pushed through years too late by a government inspector with the developers' ear, the council decided to throw good money after bad, by employing a hugely expensive pensioner from Bristol, John Hamilton Betty, who was himself a former development guru, having "reshaped" many large city centres around England. Yesterday's press release about more unsustainable and unaffordable (for those that need it in Cornwall) homes in St. Austell & Hayle, solicited this response from one University expert: An amusing press release was spewed out from Cornwall Council last week. The Council crows about its success in winning Government cash (actually it's our cash) to 'unlock' house-building at North Quay, Hayle and the so-called eco-village (suburb) north of St Austell. According to Councillor Mitchell this will deliver 'quality housing that we (?) need'. Councillor Egerton chips in: 'This financial support from the government will enable us to deliver housing that the residents of Cornwall need'. Could Bob Egerton tell us why he's so sure that the proposed 583 houses at Hayle, overlooking the estuary, handy for the beach and perfect for anyone seeking their 'Cornwall lifestyle', will all go to Cornish residents? If not, could he please tell us who they're being built for and why? You can read the full horrific (or witless, depending on your viewpoint) press release at: www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news-room/media-releases/news-from-2018/news-from-february-2018/council-welcomes-funding-to-unlock-housing-development-in-cornwall/ Comment from Hayle resident: “According to Hayle Pump community newsletter final consultation on the Neighbourhood Development Plan for Hayle closed on 11 January and after being examined it will go to a referendum. I sincerely hope they have followed the St Ives plan, which determined that all new build be for residential use.” Other supporters write: “Phil Mason is a slippery, Machiavellian schemer who only looks after his own personal interests. Not respected by his staff. Time for a fresh face in the council to win back our trust. He has been allowed to get away with poor management by a weak council who believe everything he tells them.” “As the current infrastructure (schools, surgeries, hospitals and roads) can't cope at the moment, surely it would be more sensible to put this right before more houses are built? It would also be proper if any new housing would put the locals first by making them affordable to Cornish people only.” “We shouldn't be surprised that CCC hasn't been in the business of improving local needs for a very long time. Their agenda is all self serving, their wages, their pensions and their egos. These house meet no local need, only migration into Cornwall or second homes. Newquay is already complaining about cliff erosion due to over-development and serious water run off, not given enough thought from developers or the environment agency. Goodbye green Cornwall hello concrete hell.”