Carlyon Bay given go ahead

Construction work on the controversial Carlyon Bay development could get underway as soon as next year, following the Secretary of State’s decision not to call it in for a public inquiry.

Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee’s gave its unanimous approval for the revised planning application in June and the case was automatically referred to the Government for consideration for a ‘call in’.

However, Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said that after careful scrutiny, he decided there was no sufficient reason for a public inquiry and that the application should be determined at local level.

Commenting on the news, Jon Kenny, development director of Commercial Estates Group, said: “We are of course very pleased that the Secretary of State has reinforced the Government’s commitment to support local decision making so we can bring this world class destination resort into fruition.

“This also confirms the Government’s commitment to the economic growth agenda and we look forward to playing our part in the much needed rejuvenation of this part of South Cornwall.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their support and recognition that our scheme will bring some huge long-term benefits to the St Austell Bay area and beyond.”

Kenny said he was hoping to conclude the Section 106 legal agreement, which confirms the benefits for the local community, in the near future and at this point, Cornwall Council could issue the planning permission.

He said a liaison group will be reconstituted to continue to involve local people in the progression of the scheme.

“We hope to proceed as soon as possible and would aim to make a start on construction next year,” he said.