Hundreds of objections submitted against clifftop development in Newquay
It's been called 'horrendous' and 'ugly' by opponents
Hundreds of people have raised objections to the planned redevelopment of a key seafront site in Newquay with some claiming they are “flabbergasted” by the proposals. The Narrowcliff development includes a multi-storey building with apartments and a hotel.
When the original plans were first unveiled for the site of the former Hotel Bristol members of the public said they were “hideous”. Now a full planning application has been submitted to Cornwall Council and members of the public are able to comment on the plans again.
To date more than 300 comments have been submitted with just one of those identified as being in support of the application. Scores of new comments are being added to the council’s planning portal each day in relation to the application.
The proposals include up to 180 apartments being built on the site along with a 44-bed aparthotel. The development also includes some retail units which had previously been earmarked for restaurants including Nandos and Wagamamas, but the developers have since said that those chains are no longer linked to the plans.
Among those who have submitted comments on the plans is Denise Jones who wrote: “Having been raised in Newquay and now visit family there every year, I am flabbergasted that a development such as this should even be considered. The size and scale are horrendous and although the Bristol hotel is not listed, its facade is one of the few remaining in the town that links back to the Newquay of old.
“I am all for progress and although I would hate to see it go if the site is developed it must be of similar height as now, and architecturally pleasing, in keeping with the town’s heritage and not this monstrosity that is being proposed that will make the town look like Benidorm on steroids.”
In a detailed response Donna Munday lists planning policy which she says the proposals breach, she said: “The visual impact will have a far reaching negative effect. The proposed design does not take reference from local buildings or the environment.
“Its immense size means it would result in a negative visual impact on our existing low level coastal frontage from many places within Newquay and further afield. The buildings themselves will cast huge shadows over the beach in front and neighbouring properties behind.
“The design does not protect or benefit the current heritage of this area. The Hotel Bristol’s façade is a locally unique characterful building which will be lost and replaced with something visually damaging to the heritage of Newquay. I believe that if this design is allowed it sets a precedent for others to ride roughshod over any protective plans that were implemented to protect Newquay from over development.”
Kerry Martin writes: “This planning application is grotesque. It is totally unsympathetic to the nature of the cliff top of the Narrowcliff and Barrowfields area. It will drastically affect the feel of one of the town’s most stunning assets, which is the view of the Bay as you drive or walk along the Narrowcliff.
“The building literally resembles some kind of power plant that you’d expect to find on a large scale industrial site. I can only imagine that it will be like some hideous dark shadow that is impossible to escape because it’s grossly oversized and simply ugly.”
Lauren Stott suggested that if the proposals were scaled down they might be more acceptable: “I’m not opposed to the aesthetic of the design, but the enormity is unnecessary and overbearing. The seafront will be in shadow and something this size is just so out of place for a small town.
“The disruption caused by the build is going to be ridiculous, the proximity to the cliff edge seems ludicrous, especially if the ground will be weakened further by digging the basement. Just make it smaller and most people will probably be ok with it, but as it is, it is pure greed.”
To view the proposals and to submit comments search for planning application number PA22/10572.