Cornwall Council's new administration has reversed major plans to effectively privatise over a dozen car parks and sell off the airport, in a significant policy reversal.
The decision to overturn the previous council leadership's proposals comes amid substantial public discontent about potential changes to 19 car parks, which could have seen the introduction of surveillance cameras by private enforcement firms.
The two proposals, put forward by the ousted administration on May 1, have been reviewed and cancelled, in what the local authority's leaders says is "about common sense".
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The administration expressed its intention to cancel these plans in order to safeguard essential services and key assets for Cornwall's future.
As a result, the contentious planned sale of Cornwall Airport Newquay to bring in a partner to manage its operations will not proceed. Nineteen council-owned car parks will also remain under the stewardship of Cornwall Council.
More than 1,000 individuals had signed a petition opposing changes that involved transferring them to the council's company Corserv, with a protest taking place just last week in Porthleven.
Councillor Leigh Frost, the Liberal Democrat leader of Cornwall Council, said: "We've listened to the views of our residents and taken action to put Cornwall first. Reversing these decisions protects our airport and car parks for the benefit of our communities, our economy, and our future.
"This is about common sense, getting back to basics and making sure our public assets work for the people of Cornwall," reports .
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Councillor Adam Paynter, deputy leader, addressed the car park controversy, adding: "The backlash on the car park plans was clear - residents feared hidden fee hikes and reduced accountability. #
"And with the airport, there was no guarantee that privatisation would deliver long-term benefits for travellers or local businesses. That's why we're reversing both decisions."
Councillor Dan Rogerson, portfolio holder for transport, said: "Our car parks are important for helping town centres and local businesses thrive. By keeping them under Council control, we can focus on what matters to people - fair prices, good services, and decisions made in the best interest of the residents of Cornwall."
Councillor Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for resources, added: "Our airport is vital for keeping Cornwall connected, supporting tourism, and creating jobs. These assets belong to the people of Cornwall, and we have a duty to protect them.
"Passing control of them to outside organisations would have risked losing local oversight and public trust. We're now focused on finding the best way to manage these services, so they stay affordable, sustainable, and accountable to the people they serve."