Communities, experts and policymakers have come together at a major summit to seek practical solutions for Cornwall's housing challenges.
It is hoped the event will help to provide answers to the issues caused by the lack of affordable homes in the Duchy, and the knock-on effect on the workforce, skills shortages and barriers to opportunity.
It brought together representatives from local government, social housing providers and private sector developers, academia, and the community sector to explore how more of the right sorts of homes in the right places can be delivered while strengthening communities and infrastructure.
The summit was hosted by Cornwall Council and was organised by researchers from the University of Exeter who have been analysing housing issues in the Duchy.
Their research, published last year, has shown people are more likely to move to Cornwall in search of a better lifestyle or to be nearer family than to work or start a business.
According to their survey of new homeowners, the environment, proximity of loved ones and retirement have been motivations for moving. Work or business have not been prioritised in the same way.
The affordability of housing remains a critical issue for people living in the Duchy, particularly for renters and lower-income households.
Housing Summit lead, Professor Malcolm Williams, from the University of Exeter (Institute of Cornish Studies), said: "Our aim was to bring everyone together to discuss the challenges people in Cornwall face finding affordable, secure housing to reach a consensus about actions needed from all those involved."
Cllr Peter LaBroy, Cornwall Council's cabinet member for housing, said: "We are all aware of the challenges we face within the housing market, and to gather so much experience and expertise together to discuss and debate the action we can take is hugely valuable.
"I am grateful to everyone at the University of Exeter and all of those who attended and look forward to working together further to address the problems we face."
The summit was organised by the University of Exeter (Exeter Innovation) and opened by Cllr LaBroy and Cllr Tim Dwelly, the council's cabinet member for economic regeneration, who set the context for discussions on housing delivery in Cornwall. Contributions from Professor Malcolm Williams (University of Exeter), Adam Birchall (Cornwall Council) and Allister Young (Coastline Housing) grounded the event in research, policy and local delivery experience.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Lord Richard Best OBE, reflecting on national policy and his work chairing the Devon Housing Commission, and Jez Sweetland (Bristol Housing Festival), who explored systems-led approaches to delivery.
The programme also included panel discussion and workshops led by Helen Trevaskis, with contributions from Cllr Loic Rich, Cllr Sarah Preece and others, concluding with reflections and next steps.
Speakers highlighted both the opportunities and constraints facing Cornwall, including planning, viability, and the need for coordinated action across sectors.
Participants took part in a series of workshops where they discussed community engagement and inclusion, making housing delivery viable, and infrastructure and place.
Several recurring themes emerged. There was a strong emphasis on the need to take a more holistic approach to housing, recognising its links to health, the economy, and community wellbeing. Participants highlighted the importance of moving beyond siloed thinking, noting that good quality housing can reduce pressure on public services, improve productivity, and support stronger communities.
Viability was consistently identified as a key challenge, particularly around land costs, funding, and the need to diversify delivery models, including supporting small and medium sized developers and attracting new forms of investment. There was also significant discussion around public perception and confidence.
Contributors stressed the importance of better communication, sharing real lived experiences, and addressing misconceptions about housing to build trust and support within communities. Infrastructure, both physical and social, was seen as critical to successful delivery, alongside the need to align housing growth with transport, services, and local economic opportunity.
