New plans could pave way for demolition of derelict Narrowcliff buildings

Plans for a temporary use of the stalled Narrowcliff development in Newquay are set to be presented to senior planning officers, in a move which could allow the derelict buildings to be demolished.

According to reports online, developer Salboy admits that market conditions have rendered its original approved redevelopment scheme "unfundable" and therefore "undeliverable" in its current form.

The company has planning permission for a major redevelopment of the former Hotel Bristol, Narrowcliff Hotel and Narrowcliff Surgery sites.

However, correspondence seen by Radio Newquay says Salboy is now "pulling together proposals for a temporary use on the site", which it says would allow it to demolish the (derelict) buildings and recover the costs of demolition and remediation. 

Radio Newquay understands the proposal is due to be presented to senior planning officers on Friday 11 September.

Salboy said that, assuming a positive response, it hoped it would then be able to "move quite quickly".

Radio Newquay has approached the developer for further details about what the proposed temporary use would involve and the future of the wider redevelopment scheme.

The condition of the empty buildings has become a source of concern among residents following incidents of vandalism, break-ins and fires.

In the correspondence, Salboy said it was monitoring security closely and making efforts to secure the site whenever it became aware of break-ins.

It added: "The original ambition was to deliver the planning approved scheme in short order, but market conditions have rendered the scheme unfundable (and hence undeliverable).

"We are pushing for a temporary solution to the issue so we can demolish the building and end the nuisance it's causing to residents."

It is not yet clear what the temporary use of the site would be or how long it could remain in place.

Narrowcliff Surgery

It had previously been hoped the Narrowcliff would move to a new building at Nansledan alongside Newquay Health Centre, but co-location plans were abandoned in 2024.

Last month, the Narrowcliff Surgery told Radio Newquay it was continuing to work with the Duchy of Cornwall on a potential move to Nansledan, close to the proposed new Tesco development.

A spokesperson said the project was still awaiting approval from the Integrated Care Board and other financial assurances.

They added that, should the project be approved, there would be patient engagement and public consultation.