A fresh planning application for the controversial Carlyon Bay development has been submitted to Cornwall Council.
It has been a slow and painful process to push through plans to redevelop the former site of the Cornwall Colliseum into a luxury holiday resort.
Since being granted extant planning permission in 1990 to build around 500 apartments, the project has been tied up in red tape and dogged by any number of obstacles and objections, mainly revolving around its plans for sea defences.
Then following a public inquiry in 2006, developer Commercial Estates Group (CEG) announced that it would re-examine some of the key issues that were raised to see if better solutions could be identified which would satisfy all stakeholders.
And in 2009, CEG revealed that it was exploring alternative options for a more sustainable design and realigned sea defence system.
“We are very excited about our latest plans which we believe will result in a world-class destination resort which Cornwall can be proud of”
The result is now with the Council and includes a more natural look on the contentious Shorthorn beach site with less development, extensive landscaping and a reinforced sand dune effect sea defence system instead of the original concrete sea wall.
On Crinnis beach it is proposed that a layering of buildings is created with the higher ones positioned to the rear of the site with a pedestrian main street and a variety of winding routes with glimpses of the sea between the buildings and open spaces.
The setting back of the sea wall on both beaches has created an additional eight acres of beach substantially reducing the development area. The proposed use of green and brown roofs, says the developer, will create new habitats and enhance biodiversity.
CEG’s development director Jon Kenny said: “The latest plans are a result of nearly two years of extensive work and consultation with the local community aimed at achieving the very best for the county. We’ve taken on board many of the views and suggestions expressed by local people and revised our ideas accordingly.
“The proposed development will create one of the largest private sector investments in Cornwall and will generate significant economic benefits through operational and tourism expenditure. It will be an intrinsic factor in the future transformation of St Austell.”
The application is for a mixed use development comprising 511 unrestricted occupation residential units allowing for a mix of permanent and short-term stay plus leisure and commercial floor space which will accommodate health, sports and recreational facilities plus bars and restaurants and some small shops.
Kenny added: “We are very excited about our latest plans which we believe will result in a world-class destination resort which Cornwall can be proud of.”
The council’s strategic planning committee is due to hear the application in late spring.
A full copy of the planning application and Environmental Statement can be viewed at The Information Centre on site at Carlyon Bay which will be open 10am – 5pm, seven days a week.
