Perranzabuloe Parish Council Issues Notices to Unauthorised Occupants at Cligga Industrial Estate
Perranzabuloe Parish Council has issued formal notices to individuals staying without permission on Parish Council land at Cligga Industrial Estate. These notices are in response to a series of health, safety, and legal concerns regarding the unauthorised occupation of this land, which is designated for commercial purposes only. It is also situated next to a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and SSSGI (Site of Special Scientific Geological Interest) area – Cligga Head. The Parish Council recognise the sensitivities surrounding this situation. However, at no point has permission for occupation been granted by Full Council. This area was never intended for such use, and no planning consent has been provided for residential purposes.
Following a detailed risk assessment, the Parish Council identified significant risks, including the lack of sanitation, sewage facilities, and running water, which pose a potentially serious public health hazard. The area has also experienced a steady increase in the number of campers/occupants over recent years, contributing to issues such as rubbish accumulation and contamination of the land.
The Parish Council has received feedback regarding the appearance and conditions at Cligga Industrial Estate. Some concerns have been raised about the impression the area may give to visitors, along with reports of occasional disturbances in certain parts of the estate. Moreover, visitors have reported feeling intimidated when attempting to enjoy the public space at Cligga Head, undermining the community’s ability to freely access and appreciate the area. Cligga Head is of great historical interest, particularly its mining heritage. Many sources describe Cligga Mine as one of the oldest in Cornwall.
Parish Council Chair, Peter Gaisford stated, “It is a very difficult situation for everyone concerned, and it understands the upset this will cause. However, the Parish Council has a duty to ensure it operates within the law and manages its risks to avoid unnecessary costs to taxpayers. A recent risk assessment highlighted the risks involved, and it is our responsibility to mitigate those risks appropriately.”
In recent months, the Parish Council has spent over £5,000 cleaning and clearing the site, including the removal of mixed waste, £900 worth of discarded tyres, and £300 of bonfire ash. This level of unsustainable activity is both financially and environmentally costly and cannot continue unchecked.
Over the past 10 months, the Parish Council has sought legal advice and guidance from the Local Authority to ensure that it is taking the most appropriate and lawful course of action. It is important to note that the individuals involved do not have gypsy or traveller heritage status.
The Parish Council acknowledges the emotional upheaval caused by this decision and, as part of its responsibility to the affected individuals, has instructed its Solicitors to direct them to relevant support services, including housing assistance and Citizens Advice.
This action follows several publicly advertised Cligga Committee meetings, with details made available on the Parish Council’s website and noticeboards. Although portions of these meetings were held in closed session (due to the discussion of legally privileged information), the Parish Council has remained committed to transparency throughout the process, while adhering to legal guidance.
The Parish Council is acutely aware of the ongoing housing crisis in Cornwall but stresses that Perranzabuloe Parish Council is not a housing authority. Its primary responsibility is to the residents and business owners within the Parish. To allow occupiers to find alternative accommodation, the Parish Council has given an extended 3-month notice period to vacate the land, rather than requiring an immediate departure.
Perranzabuloe Parish Council remains committed to ensuring the safe, legal, and respectful use of all its land for the benefit of the entire community.
Press queries should be directed, by email, to Amanda Lash PSLCC, CiLCA, Clerk/RFO, Perranzabuloe Parish Council (clerk@perranzabuloe-pc.gov.uk)
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