Question 1

The MEJC has acknowledged the need for a review of governance. Given that the review and a Conservation Management Plan for the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park are different topics and separate workstreams, they do not need to be linked. Therefore, I ask that the review of governance starts immediately.

Answer 1

Thank you for your question.

In November 2023, the Joint Committee recognised the need for a review of the Mount Edgcumbe Terms of Reference (ToR) to reflect pertinent changes since its agreement in 2010.

To avoid duplication, this review was put on hold as it was intended to include a review of governance and Terms of Reference within the brief for the Conservation Management Plan.

To provide clarity for committee members and the public in the interim period, the Joint Committee will commence a review of its Terms of Reference.

A draft updated ToR will be brought to a future Joint Committee meeting for review and endorsement, before submission to Plymouth and Cornwall Cabinets for formal ratification.

Question 2

2012 planning consent for a ‘temporary’ marquee included taking it down between October and March: this never happened. Planning consent expired in 2016 and has never been revisited. The marquee has been ILLEGAL ever since. What message does this send to the public about planning consent and who is accountable?

Answer 2

Thank you for your question.

We have referred the matter to the planning team at Cornwall Council, and work is ongoing with stakeholders to find a permanent solution.

Question 3

Have the committee been approached by Plymouth or Cornwall councils for their input into renewing of the lease and what are the views of the committee on the situation?

Answer 3

Thank you for your question.

Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council have released a Joint Statement concerning the Sandways Campsite, which is attached to this response. 

Decisions relating to leases and property are delegated to relevant officers within Plymouth and Cornwall Council, and are guided by appropriate legal and stakeholder advice. The decision to not renew the Sandways lease was supported by the relevant cabinet members from each council.

The Joint Committee have received a briefing on the Sandways campsite, and recognise the important cultural and heritage significance of the campsite. It would not be appropriate to comment further on this matter at this time due to the ongoing pre-action stage of litigation.

Question 4

Considering the historical significance and importance of the site, and according to joint committee meeting minutes, why was the decision not to renew the Sandway Campsite lease never discussed before 2/7/24, when initial notice was given?

Answer 4

Thank you for your question.

Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council have released a Joint Statement concerning the Sandways Campsite which is attached to this response.

While the Joint Committee are responsible for providing oversight of the strategic functions, finances and performance of the MECP, operational decisions, such as those relating to leases and property, are delegated to relevant officers within Plymouth and Cornwall Council, and are guided by appropriate legal and stakeholder advice.

The Joint Committee have received a briefing on the Sandways campsite, and recognise the important cultural and heritage significance of the campsite. It would not be appropriate to comment further on this matter at this time due to the ongoing pre-action stage of litigation.

Question 5

From information from Plymouth City Council it appears a member of MEJC, through designated powers made the decision to terminate the leases held by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council on behalf of Mount Edgcumbe. Is this correct and who has the delegated power to make that decision?

Answer 5

Thank you for your question.

Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council have released a Joint Statement concerning the Sandways Campsite which is attached to this response.

While the Joint Committee are responsible for providing oversight of the strategic functions, finances and performance of the MECP, operational decisions, such as those relating to leases and property, are delegated to relevant officers within Plymouth and Cornwall Council and are guided by appropriate legal and stakeholder advice. The decision to not renew the Sandways lease was supported by the relevant cabinet members from each council.

As per the Joint Statement, the “lease expired on 24 March 2024”, and “the Councils have decided not to offer or negotiate a new lease as the combined risks of flooding and cliff instability cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level.

Question 6

Would it be possible for a representative of the Chalet Owners Association to attend future joint meetings Plymouth and Cornwall Council in relation to the running of Mount Edgcumbe Estate.  Could there also be implementation of fire safety signs on the cliff, banning the use of open barbeques.

Answer 6

Thank you for your question.

Meetings of the Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee are open to the public, and representatives of the Chalet Owners Association are welcome to attend.

Letters were written pre-season to all chalet holders reminding them of the risk of fires on this landscape, and installing signs will be explored this year. A further letter explaining the risk of outdoor bbqs will be sent this summer.

Question 7

CC state Sandway campers require Geotechnical engineer present to access site yet area remains open to members of the public and holiday makers. What are future plans for area, which according to the land plan map produced by PCC and CC, covers a far greater area than tent platforms

Answer 7

Thank you for your question.

Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council have released a Joint Statement concerning the Sandways Campsite which is attached to this response.

The Joint Committee understands that the Councils have offered to provide a geotechnical engineer for the period of the removal of the tents to aid safety however, this it is not a requirement.

The Joint Committee also understands that the Public Right of Way leading down to the land was closed in February 2024 in response to the number of landslips in the area.

While the Joint Committee are responsible for providing oversight of the strategic functions, finances and performance of the MECP, operational decisions, such as those relating to leases and property, are delegated to relevant officers within Plymouth and Cornwall Council. Our current priority for the future of this site remains the safety of its users.

Question 8

CC keep referring to ‘expert / professional reports’ yet no technical surveys involving geotechnical investigations have been completed. Only inspections & emails. Sandway, however, have assigned a technical flood risk report & have commissioned a geotechnical survey for next 5 years. CC have stated these will not be regarded. Why?

Answer 8

Thank you for our question.

Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council have released a Joint Statement concerning the Sandways Campsite which is attached to this response.

While the Joint Committee are responsible for providing oversight of the strategic functions, finances and performance of the MECP, operational decisions, such as those relating to leases and property, are delegated to relevant officers and cabinet members within Plymouth and Cornwall Council. It would therefore not be within the gift or expertise of the Joint Committee to comment further on this issue.