Campaigners are watching life imitate art as they launch their very own Poldark tale, fighting what they see as greedy land grabbers to protect the Cornwall they hold dear.

As Ross Poldark returns to screens on September 4, fighting to protect traditional Cornish communities from the powers of big business, a group of 71 town and parish councils under the banner of Cornwall for Change (C4C) are fighting for modern Cornish communities.

The group is fighting what it claims is a mantra of "economic growth driven by central government" which "ignores the unique quality of the local environment and the needs of local people."

Orlando Kimber, spokesman for C4C, said: “We believe in a future for Cornwall where the needs of local people are met first.

“This requires nothing less than ethical governance that balances economic progress with our unique landscape, historic sites and the needs of local people. Development can be made to work for one and all, not just big companies who want a quick profit.”

While the drama of Poldark is set in the late 1700s, C4C said the same conflicts occur in 21st century Cornwall where one in five children under 16 lives in poverty and house prices are far beyond the reach of those earning an average wage.

It said that property developers take advantage of permissive planning laws while the infrastructure of doctors, hospitals, roads, sewage and schools is at breaking point and yet no investment is made despite thousands of homes being built.

C4C is working with a wide range of groups to challenge the interpretation of the National Planning Policy Framework, and specifically the detail of the Local Plan which it claims lacks a credible evidence base and is unsustainable. C4C also continues to lobby Cornwall Council with the demands of town and parish councils who feel helpless against the onrushing tide of development that goes against local interests.

A petition to Save Cornwall’s Green Fields has also been launched on 38 Degrees and an appeal is being made for it to be signed by all those who cherish Cornwall, whether they live there or not.

The petition can be found at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-cornwall-s-green-fields

For more information, contact Orlando Kimber on 07976 818874, mail@orlandokimber.com