Cornwall Council now appears to be turning its back on local, traditional Cornish industries, whilst encouraging opportunistic developers to assist in its anti-rural, urbanisation plans.

Trenoweth Quarry, a 170 year old Mabe quarry, which is the last of its kind, could face closure if developers build houses nearby. It is the only such quarry in Cornwall to still use and teach traditional granite working techniques, specialising in smaller scale items including work for heritage properties.

Developers ‘Helford Atlantic’, whose registered address is, despite its name, in Hampshire, are planning to build 56 one, two and three-bedroom homes off Antron Way, Mabe. Locals are opposing this plan, believing that, if approved, it will sound the death knell for the quarry, the livelihoods of the people that work at the quarry and the legacy of centuries-old skills used there.

Local opposition has been fierce and councillors at the last meeting discussing this were taken aback by the strength of feeling shown by people in attendance. Not that local opinion is anything the Council has shown respect for in the past when developer’s plans to obliterate acres of ancient fields and hedgerows under concrete have been criticised.

The next meeting is to be held in Penryn’s Temperance Hall, Lower Market Street on Tuesday 15th January where a huge turnout of local opposition is expected – but the more support, the better. If anyone wishes to ask questions at the meeting they will have to register at entry and will have five minutes to speak.

Meanwhile, figures recently released by the Ministry of Housing Local Communities and Government show that Cornwall has the 4th highest rate of building overall of any authority, and has the highest rate outside of London! Clearly the Council’s plans to urbanise Cornwall as quickly as possible are succeeding........