In a recent decision that has caught the attention of the local community and environmental groups, Cornwall Council has refused to grant approval to Living Quarter Properties Ltd for re-discharging planning condition 2 related to the stabilization of Whipsiderry Cliffs.
Despite the refusal, the council has left the possibility open for the developer to make further attempts.
According to a Facebook post by the Save Whipsiderry Cliffs group, the application was aimed at passing cliff works without the completion of necessary geological analyses or the proposal of a sufficient stabilisation design. The post expressed frustration that the application attempted to bypass certain requirements, such as the currently suspended Marine Management Organisation (MMO) license, by changing the proposed methods from concreting to merely meshing the cliff.
Lack of Evidence and Consultation
The application was notably not open for public consultation, drawing criticism from various quarters. Statutory consultees, including Newquay Town Council and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, provided strong arguments against the proposal, leading to its rejection. Key reasons for the refusal included an inadequate understanding of the cliff’s geology as evidenced by the AGS report, a lack of a detailed scheme of works, and no assessment of potential environmental impacts or ecological mitigation.
Consequences of the Decision
As it stands, the decision has left the local community in a state of uncertainty with no immediate solution to access the beach and concerns about the environmental integrity of the cliff face. The Save Whipsiderry Cliffs group has highlighted these issues, underscoring the precarious situation that persists following the council’s decision.
What’s Next?
Although the recent application was rejected, Cornwall Council’s decision to not close the door entirely on this matter suggests that future proposals could still be considered. This leaves room for Living Quarter Properties Ltd to address the deficiencies highlighted in the council’s refusal and possibly submit a new, revised application that could better meet the regulatory requirements and community expectations.
Community Watch
The Save Whipsiderry Cliffs group remains vigilant, ready to monitor future developments closely. They continue to advocate for responsible and effective measures to ensure both public safety and environmental conservation at Whipsiderry Cliffs.
