Cornwall Council has stated its position as one of the top five authorities in England for enforcing planning regulation infringements. The council said that half of its planning infringement notices were served on caravans located in agricultural fields.

Potters Farm in Halvasso, near Falmouth, is one location facing enforcement actions. Owner Sue Nicholls, 75, stated she has been under investigation by the council for a year for renting pitches in two fields to 35 people. Cornwall Council accused her of operating without the necessary license.

Nicholls stated that all residents at Potters Farm face possible eviction. Many residents were referred to her by the homeless charity St Petrocs in Truro, she said. Nicholls also noted that one resident had lived under a bridge in Penryn for three months prior to moving to her farm. She claimed the council had known for years that she was taking in homeless people and had not informed her she needed a license. Nicholls stated she used her savings to apply for individual planning permission for every caravan.

Dawn, a 59-year-old former care worker, has lived in a horsebox on a farm in Cornwall for three years. Dawn stated that the council took aerial photos of her caravan, leading the farmer to ask her to leave. She lost her house 13 years ago after her partner left and she was unable to manage mortgage payments. Dawn spent a decade moving around in a caravan, living in campsites and car parks. She said she could not afford a room in a shared house on her wages.

A Cornwall Council spokesperson stated that planning laws and policies are in place to ensure appropriate development. The spokesperson added that the council will take steps to address breaches that could cause planning harm. The council spokesperson stated that the council is aware of the sensitive issues for residents at Potters Farm and is in discussion with the landowner to agree on a resolution.

Why It Matters

This situation fits into a broader context within Cornwall, where the local economy is supported by 4 million tourists annually. There are an estimated 24,000 Airbnbs and holiday lets in the region, and approximately 13,000 visitors own second homes there. The housing pressure is further indicated by more than 23,000 people on Cornwall Council’s social housing register.