Pool in Cornwall could become a town in its own right

A six-week consultation has been launched on the 'Pool Vision', covering everything from health care to transport

Author: Emma HartPublished 19th Aug 2021
Last updated 19th Aug 2021

Whether the Cornish village of Pool should become a town in its own right is just one of the questions being put to residents as part of a six-week consultation.

The consultation builds on the continued regeneration of Pool and starts on Monday (August 23rd).

The Pool Vision was produced by Cornwall Council and Carn Brea Parish Council, covering everything from transport to healthcare.

It follows extensive consultation with local representatives, groups, bodies and businesses with the draft document now being published for residents to comment on before a final version is prepared later this year.

The aim is to promote economic growth, education and training, health and wellbeing, a sense of place and identity for the area, and help tackle climate change.

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for housing and planning, Olly Monk, said: “Pool was historically at the heart of Cornwall’s mining activity. Now, it is home to important places such as Heartlands, Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Cornwall College, a Household Waste Recycling Centre, health facilities and retail parks.

“Regeneration over the past 10 to 15 years has created new homes and jobs and the Pool Vision looks to continue this momentum".

Specific areas are highlighted in the document – land around Heartlands and Station Road, South Crofty and Dudnance Lane South, Mayne’s site, Carn Brea Leisure Centre and Cornwall College.

It also looks at whether the old A3047 road through the area could become more friendly for pedestrians and cyclists and if the current A3047 from Barncoose to Camborne Tesco could be a more viable option for the majority of traffic.

The future possibility of a new Carn Brea railway halt along Dudnance Lane is also examined.

Philip Desmonde, the Council’s member for Pool and Tehidy and portfolio holder for transport, said: “I have been working with stakeholders over the past few years on the Pool Vision and the link between wellbeing, work and homes within a village-like setting.

“We have sought to encourage a sustainable community environment with quality of life at its core, embracing our Cornish culture and heritage in the design principles".

Once finalised, the Pool Vision will help inform decisions on planning applications.

What are the aims of the 'Pool Vision'?

• To protect and enhance historic and cultural assets

• To create a network of neighbourhoods and commercial areas that are outward looking and well-connected

• To replace underused land with high-quality built development that respects Cornwall’s heritage

• To create a series of complementary community hubs

• To prioritise sustainable transport measures, including pedestrian and cycle routes

• To create public space that includes tree planting and public art

• To use Pool’s assets to continue to grow it as an economic hub for the area and wider West Cornwall, with a focus on quality jobs and prosperity

• To create skills and education opportunities in Pool for residents throughout West Cornwall

• To deliver excellent healthcare facilities

• To provide leisure and recreation facilities for residents, particularly young people, as well as the wider community

The Pool Vision consultation runs until 4th October 2021 and you can respond online from 23rd August or by emailing delivery@cornwall.gov.uk

Alternatively post your thoughts to Cornwall Council, Pool Vision, New County Hall, Truro, TR1 3AY.

If you are unable to access the document online call 0300 1234 151.