The holiday development would be at the former Penhale Camp (Image: CABÜ)
Plans for a “monstrosity” holiday park have been slammed by fuming residents who say it could worsen at a “death trap” junction.
Members of a planning committee have criticised the proposed plans during a meeting that was held December 19 at which Cllr John Fitter said it was a “no-brainer” that “this monstrosity” should be refused,
The request from Clerkenwell Estates was made to get rid of what’s left of the former Penhale Camp military barracks near Holywell Bay and build a new 67-unit with a swimming pool, spa area, restaurant/bar, reception building and staff facilities.
The former Army camp is home to various fragile wildlife habitats, including endangered butterflies and insects, peregrine falcons, barn owls and swifts. The site is located at Kelsey Head, a protected headland that separates Perran Sands at Perranporth from Holywell Bay near Newquay.
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A view of the site for the proposed holiday park (Image: Cornwall Council)
The plans have left locals unhappy for years. In 2021, residents in Perranzabuloe, Holywell and Cubert parishes started a campaign to fight against what would be the fourth CABU Cabin Holiday Hideaway in England and Ireland.
Jacqui Treasure, a Holywell Bay resident, told councillors: “The development is entirely unnecessary and would impact the local area. Along with innumerable holiday properties, Holywell already has three caravan parks – it does not need more holiday accommodation, particularly when the new buildings on the site make it bigger than Holywell itself.”
Kelsey Head, as well as Penhale Dunes, which surrounds the area, have been protected by a site of special scientific interest designation (SSSI) for decades. Additionally, for 20 years, Penhale Dunes has been a designated special area of conservation (SAC).
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Cllr Alan Percy, from Cubert Parish Council, carried out military service at the camp. He said: “Penhale Camp lies fully surrounded by SAC protected land and all along the coast through Crantock. Any development built within miles of the area has to pay towards the SAC upkeep.
“Yet here we have Cornwall Council promoting the build of unnecessary holiday and residential units without affordable housing in the very centre of the SAC land protected at best by a single wire fence.
“The logo of Cornwall Council is topped by the national bird of Cornwall, the chough. There are only two established colonies – one on the Lizard the other right here at Penhale Camp. The question is, does Cornwall Council give a chough about its national bird?”
Residents have been campaiging against the plans (Image: CABÜ)
Cornwall Council’s planning department suggested that the plans should be approved as the area is an effective use of previously developed land and a good location for the size of the holiday development in the proposal.
It was also revealed that the plan would bring economic benefits, including 68 jobs, visual improvements and a set of measures to address ecological concerns.
However, Cllr Rob Nolan argued that instead of the holiday park, the site should be used for housing, while Cllr Steve Arthur stated that he wouldn’t support it even if it were for housing due to it being near a “death trap” junction.
Cornwall Live reported that a vote to refuse was won. A second application by the same developer for the partial demolition of existing buildings and development of nine newbuild housing units, and refurbishment of existing cottages to form three dwellings was approved.