Debate continues over proposed care home site at Tregunnel Hill car park

The manager of Newquay's Business Improvement District has called on Cornwall Council to remove Tregunnel Hill Car Park from consideration as a potential site for a new care home.

However, a prominent Cornwall councillor has argued the debate is not an "either or" issue, saying Newquay needs both improved care provision and solutions to ongoing parking concerns.

Cornwall Council says work is underway to identify a new site for Penberthy Care Home - stating the current facility provides a high standard of care but that the building is no longer fit for purpose.

One site under consideration for a replacement facility is part of Tregunnel Hill Car Park, although the council says it is also assessing other potential locations.

A petition opposing the use of the car park has attracted more than 800 signatures on the Change.org website.

Mark Warren, manager of Newquay BID, said he welcomed assurances that alternative sites would be examined before any decision is made.

He said he had recently met with Newquay Mayor and Cornwall councillor Drew Creek and had been reassured that Cornwall Council was being asked to review other options across the town, including vacant properties, derelict buildings and brownfield sites.

However, Mr Warren said he believed Tregunnel Hill Car Park should be removed from consideration entirely. 

"This is not about opposing care provision. Newquay needs better care provision and investment in facilities for local residents. However, I do not believe that should come at the expense of a vital piece of town centre infrastructure when alternative locations are available.

"Parking provision is critical to Newquay's economy. If visitors cannot find a space, many simply choose to go elsewhere. That has a direct impact on local businesses, jobs and investment, particularly during the peak season when many businesses generate the income they need to survive through the quieter months."

He argued that the site forms an important part of Newquay's parking infrastructure and said previous planning decisions had recognised its strategic role in supporting the town.

Mark Warren sets out why he thinks the council should look elsewhere... PRESS PLAY TO LISTEN

Councillor Creek said Newquay faced two significant challenges: the need for improved care facilities for older residents and ongoing concerns around parking and transport infrastructure.

The councillor said both issues needed to be addressed together rather than considered separately.

Drew Creek explained to Radio Newquay why he thinks it's not an "either or" issue... PRESS PLAY TO LISTEN

Councillor Creek criticised what he described as years of underinvestment in both care services and infrastructure, arguing that Newquay's growing population and importance to Cornwall's economy had not always been matched by improvements in public facilities.

He said successive administrations at County Hall had failed to properly recognise Newquay's contribution to the Cornish economy, despite the town's population increasing significantly during the tourist season.

Councillor Creek said he had asked Cornwall Council to examine a range of alternative sites, including the possibility of compulsory purchase orders where appropriate, while also seeking further information on how the loss of parking spaces could affect traffic and access during the busy summer season.

He added that while Tregunnel Hill Car Park may appear underused for parts of the year, it plays a crucial role during peak tourism periods.

When asked what position he would take if Cornwall Council ultimately selected Tregunnel Hill as its preferred site, Councillor Creek said he believed the authority should first focus on finding a solution that addressed both issues.

He said: "We need to deal with the parking issue, and we need to deal with the suboptimal care facilities that we have for elderly people. The best option for Newquay and for Cornwall Council is to deal with both of those issues together and not take them one at a time."

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council previously said: "We are working with partners across Cornwall to support the development of what is very much-needed care home provision.

"As part of this we are working with Sanctuary to identify a new site for Penberthy Care Home in Newquay, as although the current standard of care there is of a high quality, the building is no longer fit for purpose.

"One site up for consideration for this new development is part of Tregunnel Car Park. We are looking closely at this site and considering others as part of this work."