A Neighbourhood Plan for Camelford Parish - "Sustainable growth for the whole community" 1 - Cornwall Council
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A Neighbourhood Plan for
Camelford Parish
“Sustainable growth for the whole community”
1
Contents
1 FOREWARD ..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 What is a Neighbourhood Development Plan, and why do we need one? ............................ 3
1.2 The Plan Area .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Map of proposed residential and business development ...................................................... 4
2 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ............................................................................................. 5
2.1 How was the Neighbourhood Plan Prepared?........................................................................ 5
2.2 Evidence .................................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Consultation ............................................................................................................................ 5
3 VISION AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................ 7
4 HISTORY AND HERITAGE ................................................................................................................ 8
5 STRATEGY ..................................................................................................................................... 11
6 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN POLICIES ....................................................................................... 12
6.1 Housing Policy ...................................................................................................................... 12
6.2 Economy and Employment Policy ....................................................................................... 14
6.3 Transport and Infrastructure Policy..................................................................................... 16
6.4 Community Facilities and Amenities Policy ........................................................................ 20
6.5 Landscape and Green Spaces Policy .................................................................................... 21
6.6 Renewable Energy Policy ..................................................................................................... 22
7 APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................. 24
2
1 FOREWARD
1.1 What is a Neighbourhood Development Plan, and why do we need one?
A Neighbourhood Development Plan (“NDP”) is a community-led framework for guiding the
future development, regeneration and conservation of an area. It is about the use and
development of land and may contain a vision, aims, planning policies, proposals for improving
the area or providing new facilities, or allocation of key sites for specific kinds of development.
It is not a method to stop development – it is a method by which to influence the location of
developments and how they will look.
The Cornwall Council Local Plan show Camelford Network Area has a housing allocation of 1000
new homes before 2030. Camelford as the largest town will be expected to take the majority.
However, when developments that have already been granted planning permission are taken
into account, Camelford’s housing commitment is in the region of 375. These figures are a
minimum; therefore it would be prudent to allow for a ‘buffer’.
Housing growth on it’s own is not sustainable – the infrastructure needs to grow with it.
Camelford Town Council recognise that the existing facilities do not have the capacity to meet
the demands of a growing population. The Town Council also acknowledge that it is outside
their power to provide the facilities required by the said growing population. This responsibility
lies with Cornwall Council and Central Government.
1.2 The Plan Area
The area within the red line constitutes Camelford Parish
3
1.3 Map of proposed residential and business development
4
2 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
2.1 How was the Neighbourhood Plan Prepared?
In 2014 Camelford Town Council decided to begin the process of creating a Neighbourhood
Plan. This plan relates to planning decisions made within Camelford Parish. The NDP builds on
the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Cornwall Local Plan and provides
another layer of detail for development within our local area. The NDP will run until 2030.
The NDP relies on community participation and involvement. The Community, together with
the Town Council, have established parameters for how Camelford Parish will develop in
terms of environment, employment, housing, education, healthcare, culture & leisure, and
Green Infrastructure. This means planning for local housing needs, community facilities and
jobs and where they should go. It also means including the green and open spaces that are
important to the community.
Once adopted the NDP must be consulted by planners & developers when considering any
developments within the Parish.
2.2 Evidence
Apart from the evidence from the Consultation exercise (see below) the Neighbourhood Plan
Team have utilised material provided by Cornwall Council. These include documents such as
Economic Profile, Local Insight Report, Demographic Profile, Community Network Profile,
2011 Census information, Open Space Survey, Camelford Conservation Area Management
Appraisal and Plan – these can be found in the Appendice [Nos]. The previous Parish
Development Plan of 1999 has also contributed to the content of this plan (Appendix NO].
Camelford was declared an Air Quality Management Area in January 2017. Knowledge that
this was about to happen has been instrumental in the formation of our transport policies.
Full information on air quality can be found in Appendix [NO]
2.3 Consultation
PFA Research, on behalf of the Neighbourhood Plan Team, conducted a major consultation
exercise in the Autumn of 2015. The full report can be found in Appendix [NO]. The findings
were reported to the public at a meeting held in Camelford Hall in October 2015. The meeting
was attended by over 40 people. This meeting was followed 2 weeks later by another
meeting for those that were interested in being part of the working groups.
5
Consultation Events
We also held a drop in event specifically aimed at our young people which was well supported. In
addition, we also consulted with local business as to the suitability of their current premises.
The general public have been kept informed of the progress of the plan through the Camelford Town
Council website, and numerous articles in the local press, especially the Camelfordian – the local free
monthly newsletter. The NDP team have also had a presence at Camelford Show for the last four
years. Members of the team have also been interviewed by local radio.
6
3 VISION AND OBJECTIVES
It is vital that all development in the community is sustainable (Sustainable
development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs), which includes the environmental
impactions of development and the consequences of not developing.
Following a “vision” meeting, held at Camelford Hall on 2 November 2015, to which all working
group members, and members of the general public were invited, comments were put forward
as suggested visions for our community in the future. These can be found in Appendix [NO]:
We have incorporated these visions into the following 10 objectives that we want to achieve
through the NDP:
1. Strengthening and supporting economic activity.
2. Delivery of a housing growth strategy tailored to the needs and context of the Parish of
Camelford.
3. Preserve and protect the heritage and history of Camelford.
4. Seek on-going improvements to transport, infrastructure and to digital connectivity.
5. Protect, sustain and improve local facilities for all our residents, existing and new.
6. Protect green space, the landscape and support nature conservation in order to
maintain and increase diversity.
7. Protect the existing town car parks from development and preserve their use for the
people of the town and visitors to support the town centre shops and facilities.
8. Encourage the value of tourism by providing better facilities to encourage tourists to
the area to boost the local economy.
9. To ensure that existing health and wellbeing facilities are protected and developed.
10. Involve local people on an ongoing basis in the process of plan making, monitoring and
delivery of development.
7
4 HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Camelford has an intriguing history: a planted market and borough town; a particularly
notorious ‘rotten borough’ returning two members to Parliament until disenfranchised after
the 1832 Reform Act; a small commercial centre for a predominantly rural population; and
finally, from the later 19th century, a tourism centre for enjoying the Moor, the north coast and
‘King Arthur’s country’.
The place-name Camelford, first recorded in the early 13th century, contains the Cornish
elements camm ‘crooked’, and alan, a common Celtic name for a river. The English suffix ‘ford’
was probably added later, presumably when the settlement developed around a crossing point
on the river.
The earliest reference comes in an Arthurian romance (by Layamon) and several romantic
Arthurian connections have been maintained in and around the town through much of its
subsequent history (Camelford as Camelot; Tintagel as Arthur’s birthplace and castle; Slaughter
Bridge as the scene of his death etc).
Extensive archaeological evidence of early prehistoric activity on Bodmin Moor, later prehistoric
settlement in the lowlands around Camelford (mainly in the form of rounds — enclosed
hamlets), and then a full early medieval landscape of hamlets with Cornish names, many in
Cornish, ‘tre’ (‘farming estate’), indicate a long history of settlement in the vicinity.
8
Roughtor Summit
The routeway that is now the A39 follows ridges to the north of the town and valleys to the
south and is likely to have been an important early topographical element in this part of
Cornwall. Its crossing point on the Camel would have been the original focal point of what
seems, from its well-defined strip field system, to have been a typical Cornish farming hamlet.
There are references in medieval Duchy records to farmland being held in
‘Kamelford’.Camelford is not specifically mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, being at
that time just another part of the large manor of Helston, later part of the Earldom and then
Duchy of Cornwall.
Nor was it chosen as the site for an early Christian establishment; instead a lan (early Christian
enclosure) and then a later medieval parish church were constructed at Lanteglos well over a
mile away to the south-west. Helston-in-Trigg was one of the Earldom and then Duchy of
Cornwall’s most important ancient manors and it is thus one of the best-documented medieval
landscapes in Cornwall. We can read much of its two 13th century deer parks to the south and
west of Camelford and of the hamlets and mills scattered through the countryside.
Lanteglos Church
9
A very full and informative description of Camelford’s build environment can be found in the
Camelford Conservation Area Appraisal from Aug 2007. This can be found in Appendix [NO]
There are several buildings that receive protection under the Listed Buildings programme. A
map showing these is shown below.
Scheduled monument at Lanteglos
105 STRATEGY
In order to meet our objectives outlined in 3 above, our policies will need to focus on the
following areas in order to ensure sustainable growth of the parish.
Housing
Economy and Employment
Transport & Infrastructure
Community Facilities and Amenities
Landscape & Green Spaces
Renewable Energy
A working party was set up for each group, which included a member of the steering group plus
members of the general public.
116 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN POLICIES
The following policies have been developed to manage the future development of Camelford in
order to achieve the vision, objectives and strategy of the NDP. Developers and applicants must
read the policies as a whole when judging if a proposal would be acceptable.
In line with the results of the consultation events undertaken during the Plan’s preparation and
evidence of local issues and characteristics, the policies are separated into the 6 key areas
highlighted in our strategy (see 5 above). To aid developers and applicants, each policy is
accompanied by supporting text setting out the context for each key area. All policies have
been framed in the context of the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Plan for
Cornwall.
6.1 Housing Policy
Justification and Evidence
Camelford has a high proportion of detached properties 55.1% compared to a national
average of 22%. By contrast we have a lower than average number of semi-detached
properties 21.7% compared with 24% nationally (SHMA 2013 Overview Report). Terraced
housed are within 2% of the national average whilst purpose built flats are way down on the
national figures 7% compared to 17%. Second homes make up 10% of our properties
compared to 0.6% nationally.
Households with no usual residents account for 17.5% of dwellings, suggesting a high
proportion of holiday or second homes.
Expansion has been rapid in the last decade with Camelford’s population dramatically
increasing, from around 1900 at the 2001 census to 3000 at the 2011 census – an increase of
over 55%.
In line with the rest of the UK, Camelford has an aging population. By the end of the plan
period it is predicted that nearly one third of residents will be over 65 (in 2009 this figure was
25.4%). An aging population has implications for housing stock therefore it is essential that
new housing is built with the flexibility required to adapt to different needs at the various life
stages.
This plan will consider the most appropriate locations for new housing developments taking
into consideration their connectivity to the rest of the facilities.
Camelford’s population has dramatically increased, from around 1900 at the 2001 census to
3000 at the 2011 census – an increase of over 55%. Three major developments, at opposite
ends of the town have accommodated the majority of this expansion.
As a result large estate type developments are not popular. Our survey results clearly show
that residents would prefer several smaller developments than one to two large ones.
The towns’ rapid expansion has led to significant capacity problems for the Primary and
Secondary Schools. Camelford Community Primary School has a capacity of 238. Forecasts
for September 2017 is 256 growing yearly to 305 by 2020 (data supplied by Cornwall Council
Schools Team) (Appendix NO).
12It has also placed great strain on the local GP service. The health situation is made even more
difficult as we are entirely lacking in dental, optometry and physiotherapy provision. As stated
above, Camelford has an aging population and this will exacerbate the issue of health service
provision.
Camelford has a higher than average proportion of home workers, therefore new builds
should make an allowance for provision of a specific home office rather than having to
sacrifice a bedroom. Live/work units should also be considered.
Affordability remains a key housing issue in Camelford. Over half of those responding to the
survey have a household income of £25,000 or less. Therefore new housing should be
designed and built to sufficiently high standard to ensure that running costs are minimal.
This plan will consider the most appropriate locations for new housing developments taking
into consideration their connectivity to the rest of the facilities.
Community Feedback
29% do not believe there is a need for further development
Only 4% suggested that a single large development would be appropriate
33% think a mixture of small and medium size developments would be suitable for
Camelford in the future.
14% have a home-based business
A common theme in the survey by many participants (especially through questions
concerning improvements to the town) are concerns around over population and
apparent rapid growth of the town in recent years. 19% of the survey sample moved
into Camelford within the last four years.
92% of people own their own cars or have use of a car. There are low levels of public
transport which is seasonal and infrequent.
65% of people surveyed felt that Camelford would benefit from live/work units.
Over 82% of people surveyed would like to see new developments/houses built to
incorporate renewable energy.
POLICY
Developers will be expected to demonstrate in a statement, how their proposals meet
the requirements of the Camelford Design Statement (Appendix NO].
In keeping with the rural nature of the area, outside of the town centre, housing
density of 30 dwellings per hectare or less (of nett developed area) will be encouraged.
There are plentiful sites available, so there is no need to cram houses into any one site.
Affordable housing should be fully integrated into any mixed development so that the
affordable homes are indistinguishable from open market housing.
All developments of 20 or more houses should include at least 5% of homes available
as self-build plots unless it can be adequately demonstrated that there is no demand
for such plots.
Developers to ensure there are opportunities for self-build within the Parish.
13Developers to ensure that new developments are adaptable to changing population
needs eg home working and ageing population
30% of new homes to be built to Lifetime Homes Standard (Appendix NO)
Dwellings on developments 10 plus should be built as accessible homes as part of the
housing mix.
Live/work units will be supported.
Developers to ensure that new developments provide sufficient parking spaces (see
Design Statement for particulars on car parking)
All new developments/houses should be built to incorporate renewable energy in their
design (eg solar panels, air source heating).
The following plans, documents and strategies support Policy 6.1
Cornwall Design Guide
Building for Life 12
National Planning Policy Framework
Cornwall Local Plan (Policy 6 and 13)
Camelford Design Statement
Cornwall Council Demographic Evidence Base – Populations Over 65
Camelford Conservation Area Management Appraisal and Plan
PFA Research Community Survey
Cornwall Council Planning Future Cornwall – Population and Household Change in
Cornwall
Neighbourhood Development Plan Boundary Map
NDP Survey Monkey August 2017
6.2 Economy and Employment Policy
Justification and Evidence
There were 525 businesses identified in the Camelford area in 2015. The main category was
‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’ (43%), which was over-represented compared to the Cornish
average. Most other sectors were under-represented particularly ‘Wholesale, retail and
motors’ 10% compared to 19%.
However those residents that stated they were ‘employed’ give a different picture. The three
main sectors in which residents work are ‘Education’ (14.0%), ‘Health’ (13.4%), ‘Wholesale,
retail and motors’ (12.8%), Construction’ (10.2%).
This suggests that people with the right skills set are commuting to jobs in education and
health, retail and construction. Over 60% of this work force commutes to work by car or van.
This has an impact on the requirements for road improvements and highlights the lack of
opportunities for residents to find suitable work within the parish.
The Neighbourhood Plan should investigate ways of encouraging more employers into the
area so that less people have to commute.
14Increased population, as a result of new house builds, will require employment opportunities.
In line with Connecting Cornwall 2030, encouraging people to work near their place of
residence is essential to Cornwall Council Transport Plans.
There is also a higher than average percentage of those that work from home 22% compared
to an average of 16%. If this continues to grow it has an implication on the design of housing
to allow flexibility.
The community consultation survey clearly shows that the majority of people think that
Camelford is a place to run a business. It also shows that most people do their main shopping
elsewhere. This lack of footfall through the town has a significant effect on local businesses
and the provision of facilities.
Tourism is one of the main drivers of Cornwall’s economy, providing £770m contribution to
the GVA, 11% of total GVA. This places Cornwall as the top region in terms of importance of
tourism to the economy. Camelford is marketed as the “gateway to the Moor” and has
“Walkers are Welcome” status. Bodmin Moor has also been awarded “Dark Skies
Designation”. It would be prudent to provide better facilities to encourage tourists to the
area to spend more money and boost the local economy.
For more information see the Camelford Parish Economic Profile November 2015 in Appendix
[NO]
Community Feedback
44% of households are working full time with 26% working part time.
7% are unable to find work
94% would like to see improvements in the range of shops within Camelford
79% would like more premises for small business
82% think we should be encouraging larger businesses to relocate to Camelford
POLICY
Proposals to protect the retail and business nature of commercial premises within the core
time by restricting the ability of premises to change use to non-commercial uses will be
supported.
Proposals for B1 developments will be supported outside of the main town area.
Proposals for other uses will be supported where there is no adverse impact on the
town or nearby residents.
Proposals which support the vitality and attractiveness of the town centre as a
community hub, shopping centre or visitor destination will be supported.
Proposals that encourage new business to relocate to the parish will be supported if
they can provide job opportunities and promote a more vibrant town centre.
Local businesses will be encouraged to form a Chamber of Commerce to be reactive
to requests for advice and assistance from new businesses, to establish their common
needs and to work with the Town Council to achieve them.
15Development within the town centre which enhances the commercial diversity across
use classes A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 will be supported.
The loss of business premises used for A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 uses in the core
shopping area of Camelford Town centre (see Map at Appendix NO] to other uses will
not be supported unless:
It can be demonstrated that the use of the premises for these purposes is no longer
viable.
There is evidence that there is no market demand through active and continued
marketing for at least a period of 9 months.
The proposed alternative use would provide equal or greater benefits for the local
community and economy than the current use.
Change of use for vacant and unviable units will be supported if this has a positive
affect on the vitality of the town.
Proposals to improve facilities, including footpaths and cycle paths for visitors will be
encouraged.
Proposals for high quality new hotels in the town will be supported where there are
no significant detrimental effects on nearby residents and where sufficient parking is
proposed.
Additional information should be provided to encourage and assist tourism. The
provision of well-designed, informative maps, direction signage and information
boards, will be encouraged.
The following plans, documents and strategies support Policy 6.2
PFA Research Community Survey
CLA Policy 4 and 5
Survey Monkey “Supplementary Questions” August 2017
Camelford Parish Economic Profile November 2015
Connecting Cornwall 2030
Cornwall Council Economy and Culture Strategy
Survey Monkey August 2017
6.3 Transport and Infrastructure Policy
Justification and Evidence
The A39 runs through the centre of the town. The town was not designed with the current
traffic levels in mind. There is a growing problem with noise and air pollution.
16Congestion in Camelford from West and East of camelford
Our only public transport is the bus service. It is limited, and variable – at the mercy of
Cornwall Council funding cuts which effect the rural subsidy offered to providers. What is
available in one budget year may change dramatically the next.
Camelford has two public car parks, Churchfield Carpark, owned by Camelford Town Council
and Clease Road owned by Cornwall Council. These carparks, whilst intended for those that
come into the town for shopping or business, have become an overflow for residents who are
unable to park outside their homes which are located above shops in Market Place, Fore
Street, Chapel Street and on the newer estates where there is insufficient residents parking.
There is an existing network of footpaths, which helps locals and visitors explore the locality.
It is essential that all new developments link into the existing network. Our roads are narrow
and busy and there are very limited dedicated cycle paths; this is something that needs
consideration as the town grows as we need to encourage a more active population.
Cornwall Council data indicate that the surgery is at capacity with Dr Nash in October 2016
having 3,116 registered patients. Compared to the population of Camelford, this is a high
number of registered patients. There are 2 other doctors at the surgery. Our nearest hospital
is Trelisk in Truro or Derriford in Plymouth.
Education provision is via Camelford Community Primary School and Sir James Smiths
Community School. The primary school is at capacity. These two schools cover education
requirements up to Year 11. There is no provision for Years 12&13 (6th form) – our young
people must leave the parish and travel to Bodmin, Wadebridge or Truro. All require a
considerable amount of travel by bus. Students can spend 3 hours a day travelling.
The Camelford Rural Planning Area forecasts show Camelford Primary School at 128% capacity
by September 2020.
Community Feedback
47% of residents are concerned about the sewage system in Camelford due to
population growth.
72% of residents use the free car parks and feel this facility is important to protect.
1763% of residents would like to see a secure cycle rack/parking within the Parish.
62% of residents agreed or strongly agreed that broadband connectivity is important
and needs to be improved.
24% of 16 to 34 year olds felt the education facilities in Camelford need to be
improved/create more spaces.
POLICY
Transport
Support will be given for any proposals for an A39 Camelford bypass to relieve
congestion in the town.
Support proposals to remove through traffic from the main street of Camelford by
developing a distributor road along the previously agreed route (Planning Ref and as
indicated on Map X in Appendix NO]. Said land to be protected from any other
development.
Planning discussions, individually or cumulatively, should not lead to unacceptable
poor air quality.
Development near to the protected route, which could affect the future viability of
the bypass will not be supported.
In the absence of a full A39 bypass road, a route to remove HGV traffic from the
centre of town will be supported.
A safe pedestrian route must be established alongside the B3266.
Traffic calming measures or weight limiting the town centre are implemented to
discourage HGV traffic.
Developers to ensure that any new development connects well with the rest of the
town by requiring that there are safe pedestrian and cycle routes through the
development and not a single point of entry.
New residential development should be designed to integrate well into the existing
community and must provide good pedestrian routes, preferably from more than one
access. Consideration must be given to connectivity and permeability.
Site layouts must be designed to provide safe routes to schools and other local
amenities, including the town centre and giving consideration to footpaths and cycle
paths where appropriate. Any leisure provision within or associated with a residential
development must be designed to encourage use by both future and existing
residents.
Developments that cause a significantly adverse impact on the local road network
that cannot be managed or mitigated will not be supported.
POLICY
Infrastructure
New foot or cycle paths should form part of any new development. These should be
clearly signed to encourage awareness and usage. Proposals to enhance or replace
existing signage for such routes will be supported.
Proposals to extend, improve or develop new or existing footpaths and cycle paths
through the town will be supported.
18Development which removes walking and cycling routes will not be supported unless
acceptable alternative routes are provided.
Proposals for secure cycle parking within the town will be supported.
Proposals to improve access for the less able-bodied to amenities will be encouraged
and actively supported.
Any development must limit the impact of light pollution from artificial externally visible
light sources. Any proposals to install lighting in areas of the Parish that are currently
dark at night will be resisted. Dark at night is defined as more than 50m from an existing
street light.
All developments must incorporate Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs).
New development will be supported where it can be adequately demonstrated that
there is sufficient capacity within the sewerage network to support it. The sewerage
works currently accepts flows from a population of approximately 2500 and there is
available process capacity headroom to accommodate a population of 3800.
New development must not increase the number of occasions where partially treated
sewage is removed by road. Where capacity is insufficient, the cost of any upgrades to
the system should be met by the developer.
POLICY
Education/Health
Residential development proposals must demonstrate that sufficient school places are
available at local schools to accommodate any increased demand generated by that new
development. Suitable contributions will be sought to meet any urgent need for school
places.
Proposals to develop new, or expand existing health and wellbeing facilities will be
supported. The site of the current surgery and the land between the surgery and the
church is reserved for a new Health and Wellbeing Hub which is now going ahead.
Proposals for providing additional facilities for the schools will be supported.
POLICY
Digital Connectivity
Support will be given to proposals to provide access to super-fast broadband services, or
any subsequent replacement technology, and improvements to the mobile
telecommunications network to serve the Parish. This may require above ground network
installations, which must be sympathetically located and designed to integrate into the
landscape.
The following plans, documents and strategies support Policy 6.3
Air Quality Assessment 2016 Camelford – Cornwall Council
PFA Research – Community Survey October 2015
Cornwall Local Plan Policy 16, 27, 26
Cornwall’s Local Transport Plan
Connecting Cornwall 2030
Email Development Coordinator South West Water
Dark Skies Designation Map Cornwall Council
19Camelford Rural Planning Area Forecasts
Educational Needs Infrastructure Assessment (EINA)
Cornwall Council Doctor Registration Data
NDP Survey Monkey August 2017
6.4 Community Facilities and Amenities Policy
Justification and Evidence
Camelford has a growing sense of community. The Town Council have recognised the need to
host regular events throughout the year, for example Wassailing, Fun Week, Music in the Park
to aid community cohesion and to encourage people to come into town. Alongside this there
is a very active group of local residents that organise the annual Camelford Carnival and the
Christmas Lights & Fireworks.
Despite these efforts to aid community cohesion, Camelford has seen a steady decline in the
facilities available to its residents. This decline seems strangely bizarre considering the rise in
population over the last 10 years. The most recent example has been the loss of all three
banks in the town – a process over which the town had no control. At the same time the
towns educational and health facilities are struggling to cope with the increase in population.
The community consultation survey clearly shows that the majority of people think that
Camelford is a place to run a business. It also shows that most people do their main shopping
elsewhere. This lack of footfall through the town has a significant effect on local businesses
and the provision of facilities.
Therefore the aim of the NDP must be to enable the area to meet the needs of its population,
both permanent and seasonal visitors, by avoiding the loss of existing facilities whilst
encouraging the provision of new or enhanced facilities.
Change of use from commercial to residential is a big potential threat to the commercial heart
of the town.
We are fortunate to still have a Post Office, but unfortunately our nearest bank is in
Wadebridge as our banks closed in 2014.
At present were still have a Cornwall Council funded Library, however at time of writing the
funding for this essential facility is under threat. It is hoped that the Town Council can find the
funds to adopt the Library.
The centre of Camelford has a selection of shops, food outlets and pubs. The Old Bank (the
old Natwest Building) has been converted into a Community Building running various clubs
such as Zumba, model making, youth club, you and me cafe, which now compliments
Camelford Hall which is within walking distance of the centre. The “Pop in Centre” is located
within the existing library and provides invaluable space for the elderly community to meet.
The Camelford History and Archive Trust recently opened the “Then and Now” Museum (the
old Lloyds Bank building). This museum holds various artefacts and photos of times past,
preserving Camelford’s history.
20Camelford Leisure Centre, which offers many different activities and most importantly is
where local children learn to swim, is a key asset for the town. There are other, privately run
gyms, which supplement the Leisure Centre offer.
The Community Allotments are well-used. Allotments contribute to aspirations to improve
community nutrition, emotional resilience and healthy activity.
Community Feedback
The top three most important facilities/amenities were – Town Centre/shops and services
(97%), Health centre (96%) and Enfield Park/playgrounds (94%)
Over 90% of people would like to see more evening entertainment opportunities in
Camelford.
POLICY
Developments which allow for educational, health and wellbeing provision to grow in line with
projected demographic data (plus a buffer) will be supported.
Developments that provide for community allotment space will be supported.
Development which enhances existing facilities, local services and infrastructure whilst
ensuring that the character of the landscape, town and surrounding settlements are not
eroded, will be supported.
Development which encourages a greater variety of leisure facilities and evening
entertainment opportunities for all age groups will be supported.
The following plans, documents and strategies support Policy 6.4
PFA Research – Community Survey October 2015
Cornwall Local Plan Policy 16
NDP Survey Monkey August 2017
6.5 Landscape and Green Spaces Policy
Justification and Evidence
Important green spaces are to be protected as are strategic views within the Parish and out to
Bodmin Moor and Rough Tor (designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The plan
seeks to retain and protect existing trees and hedgerows which are important for their historic,
visual or biodiversity value unless the need for, and the benefits of, the development in that
location clearly outweigh any loss.
Enfield Park provides the main play facilities for children within the town. Enfield Park is widely
considered the jewel in the crown and is much loved by all. There is a skate park located at the
old Cattle Market site at the top of town, and plans are underway to create a sustainable
concrete skate park to replace the existing skate park which is closed due to being in a
dilapidated state.
There are community allotments available for rent within the Parish. The Town Council rents
the land, from a local landowner on a 2 year rolling basis.
21Community Feedback
52% would like to see improvements to existing play areas.
51% of residents use the park either fairly often or all the time.
94% of those surveyed in 2015 think Enfield Park and other playgrounds are very important
to Camelford.
POLICY
Development that includes provision for quality play areas and community allotments will be
supported.
Development will not be supported on the following green spaces:
o Enfield park
o The walks along the riverbank
o Bowood Park Golf Course
o School playing fields
o Camelford Football Ground
o Allotments at Valley Truckle
o Green spaces on developments at Treclago View, Farriers Green
o Green at the Clease and the Cattle Market
o The Skate Park on Clease Road
o Camelford’s Cemetery and Community Orchard
Development where trees and/or hedgerows are to be destroyed will not be supported
unless it is not possible or feasible to retain such trees or hedgerows. In these
circumstances, replacement trees or hedgerows of an equivalent or better standard will be
required in an appropriate location on the site.
The following plans, documents and strategies support Policy 6.5
Open Space Survey and Analysis
CLA Policy 2b, c and d)
CLA Policy 16(5 and 6)
PFA Community Survey October 2015
6.6 Renewable Energy Policy
Justification and Evidence
Camelford is a relatively deprived town. Half of those that responded to the PFA Research
survey have a household income of £25k or less. This factor, together with high energy costs
and energy efficiency of the property (a high proportion of properties within the Parish were
built c1800) mean fuel poverty is an issue. Later developments either side of the town have
not maximised renewable energy opportunities. Given Cornwall’s aim to be a green
peninsula, resilient to rising energy costs with a low carbon economy, this plan seeks to
support initiatives to increase use and production of renewable and low carbon energy
generation development proposals.
22Community Feedback
77% of those surveyed would like to see a community owned organisation generate
renewable energy to provide power for the Parish.
Over 82% of people surveyed would like to see new developments/houses built to
incorporate renewable energy.
POLICY
Residential/business energy efficiency measures will be supported.
Proposals within the neighbourhood development area for development of, or associated
with small/domestic scale renewable energy facilities will be supported, provided that it
can be shown that the activity:
o Would not adversely affect areas which are of nature conservation importance.
o Would not adversely affect the quality and character of the landscape; and
o Would not result in irreversible loss of the best and most versatile agricultural
land.
o Would not adversely affect the amenities or safety of local residents or other
users of the countryside.
o Could be satisfactorily accommodated on or close to the existing rural road
network without the need for significant changes which would affect the
character of the surrounding area.
Proposals for use of land for community owned organisations to generate renewable
energy to provide power for the Parish will be supported.
The following plans, documents and strategies support Policy 6.5
CLP Policy 14 and 15
NPPF support for renewables
NDP Survey Monkey August 2017
Camelford Design Statement
237 APPENDICES
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