A recent conversation with a Cornwall Councillor for Truro raised an interesting question, is the name “Persimmon” a subliminal euphemism for “Permission”?'

A euphemism is generally an innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive or suggest something unpleasant; some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the user wishes to downplay.

The above definition seems to encapsulate the very ethos of this pushy, profit-hungry corporation, which, along with various others, is eating our priceless landscape in large bite- sized chunks.

Having potentially – and via generous political donations - created the right political climate for planning permissions to be seamless, developers relentlessly bend the ears of councillors and planners until they get the permissions they need to feed their money machines.

Given the fair winds that all developers are currently experiencing, perhaps it would be reasonable to expect them to deliver homes to their customers that are fit for purpose?

And given the current publicity about substandard housing products nationwide, one does tend to wonder whether or not they have reached an advantageous accommodation with the building regulation operatives as well as the planners?

One thing is certain, having trousered the loot and legged it, the likes of Persimmon are more than happy for their unfortunate customers and local council taxpayers to collect the tab for the potentially significant financial consequences that their cost-cutting greed has created.

Development is inevitable, but the consequences of jerrybuilding needn't be, if developers are forced to build to the high standards that the eye watering price tags attached to their products suggest ought to be reasonably expected by the purchasers.

In the meantime, and whilst this site has asked for Phil Mason to apologise for his litany of planning errors - these either deliberate or not - it would seem the ivory tower of Cornwall Council sees things in a different light, having promoted him again to the top spot, thus replacing the mysterious (developers' friend) John Betty, who himself is now "Special Advisor" to Cornwall Council CEO, Kate Kennally. And so the musical chairs of high wages and crass planning decisions dance around at Lys Kernow.

Below, a few comments from campaigners and (new development) victims:

"Thank you for fighting so hard. I live in Quintrell Downs, Newquay, where Fitter is supposed to represent us. I say that with tongue in cheek, as he IN MY OPINION, is so corrupt. He backs all the major developments whilst opposing small residential improvements for extensions etc, and blocks facts from being motioned into appeal hearings for the major developments. An example of this is the Sunnyside development, outside the Growth Plans and accessed by the Public footpath/Bridleway. Refused on 5 separate occasions as a result of the access and common land, but has recently been granted as Fitter motioned that the Bridleway was not to be discussed in the appeal hearing. He also supported his mate and fellow councillor for permission to build two four bedroom terraced houses in a cul-de-sac that had single storey small bungalows, yet opposes any small builds etc in the area. Just reported in his newsletter that he has supported another 120 house build on the edge of the village, that no one seems to be aware of, on top of the 750 house build at the Trevemper area for Ocean housing. I cannot wait to sell up and move as the growth in Newquay has gone beyond ridiculous. They have completely destroyed Newquay and there is no turning back now."

"It is a sad fact that it takes courage and integrity to stand up for the rights of the electorate, the general public.
Unfortunately, there are many Cornwall councillors that do not posses these attributes and are not fit for purpose. 
There are a few 'Strong characters' in the chamber, but even some of them have allowed power and position go to their heads (or possibly, personal or political or financial, considerations to drive them). Thus throwing common sense out of the window."

"Communicating with anyone at Cornwall Council is a waste of time, the An Gof's amongst us know that CC is the problem, not the solution. I believe that all illegal activity within Cornwall Council should be logged and funds raised for legal action against CC, I do honestly believe in my heart that this is the only answer. And if MK isn't our voice anymore, then its most urgent that we do have a voice in some way. I'm of the opinion that Cornwall4Change has done a splendid job of being our voice and has united us in a way not seen for decades. I will support Cornwall4Change in any way possible."

"Our representatives are not representing us. Who then are they representing?"

"They are like rabbits in a cars headlights mesmerised by the carpetbaggers who are strip mining our natural capital and the snake oil salesmen who claim to ''advise'' them because they seem to think that we know nothing."

"I agree that the present building development in Cornwall is destroying the beauty and culture of the county as well as the roads, hospitals, schools, etc... Are there any more petitions we can put our name to? I already donate a monthly amount to change.org."

"Likewise, I also know some builders who are working on these pieces of junk. Just pushed to finish them off whatever the weather and other conditions, so short cuts are taken which they don't want to do but are forced to do so by the greedy developers. They all say, we help to build them but would never live in them. Says it all. Just the slums of the future."

"I know a few contractors who work on Wainhomes/kiers some of which I know to be brilliant tradesman. It isn’t the tradesmen themselves but the suits who and chiefs are to blame. They’re only doing as instructed by them. Yes they are shite buildings, and people shouldn’t be buying them in the first place. Do your homework and starve these bastards so they can’t go on developing such shite."

"Homes used to be built to last much more than a lifetime. It seems from what I've heard and seen, these shoddy build homes will be lucky to last 20 years! I've seen how they put these new builds together - usually very quickly because of cheap "corner cutting" pre-fabricated materials. On the other hand I've heard of delayed "ready to inhabit" dates by more than 9 months - mainly caused by having to put right previous bad workmanship."

"The trash that builders like Persimmon are throwing up represents an insult to the building industry. Round the corner from where I live is one such new development of development is the appropriate word. The occupiers there have countless issues with their new houses. Guess what? The developers just aren’t responding. Amazingly, nor are the Councillors who sanctioned these future ghettos built to last the length of a bank mortgage. It’s great that people are being warned and potential buyers are waking up. Persimmon, Wain Homes whatever. They are all trash. Their only concern is turning a quick buck on a substandard sale. And our elected Councillors? The words back pocket and brown envelope spring to mind."

"Greed, greed and more greed. These despicable people don’t care about the misery people go through when they buy a heap of rubble!! It’s the most expensive item they will ever purchase and should be a dream come true, not the nightmare that it often turns into."