Sustainable or Marketable?

IF a week’s a long time in politics how about 18 months?  

It seems a different era when the then prime minister Boris Johnson welcomed the G7 leaders to the pristine shores at the almost southern – most tip of the country. 

Then still in the grip of Covid and getting Brexit done, two further prime ministers down the line and with the least growth of all seven nations since the pandemic what legacy has the world leaders left the area of outstanding beauty? 

There’s still an environmental protest happening with Extinction Rebellion banging the drum at the harbour of nearby St Ives but the sustainable – practices of the summit host hotel have been called into question. 

 Seven single – storey meeting rooms were put up for the conference along the sweeping bay without planning permission.  

Seems like nothing’s ever how it appears. The summit was billed as sustainable and flagged up high eco – credentials. Yet as locals campaign for six affordable homes to be built in town the luxury wooden structures were deemed by the planning inspectorate to have significantly and adversely affected the character of the area.  

The National Trust, the South West Coast Path Association, the Cornwall branch of the Countryside Charity (CPRE) and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust all submitted objections.  

The lodges have since been torn down. 

At a time of Brexit being oven – ready the Carbis Bay Hotel with its beautiful private blue – flag beach appeared to showcase some of the best of UK eco policies as the degradation of the environment demands.  

It generates its own electricity allowing renewable lighting, recycles rain water and implemented sustainable operations in its construction. Even its website off – sets CO2. 

But what’s the point of being lauded by the great and the good for its planting of trees and promotion of natural life if buildings are constructed on the beautiful coastline that fly in the face of everything they claim to stand for?