Planning appeal over Whipsiderry cliff stabilisation plan dismissed

A planning inspector has dismissed an appeal over proposals to discharge a planning condition requiring cliff stabilisation at the site of the former Paradise Cove Hotel above Whipsiderry Beach, Porth.

The developer, Living Quarter Properties (Porth) Ltd, had appealed Cornwall Council’s refusal to approve cliff-defence plans linked to a 2007 permission for seven holiday villas. The condition requires a full stabilisation scheme to be agreed before any work other than demolition can begin.

The appeal followed Cornwall Council’s decision to twice refuse permission to discharge the cliff-stabilisation condition at the former Paradise Cove Hotel site.

In a decision published on Wednesday 25 November, the Inspector found that the proposed stabilisation scheme was not adequate to protect the development for its lifetime. The report said the plan relied on a uniform grid of rock anchors despite the cliff face being highly complex, and acknowledged that the works would likely need to deviate from the submitted drawings as more was learned during construction. The Inspector concluded there was no clear mechanism for the council to oversee or regulate these changes, and that the plans lacked essential detail for stabilising the lower part of the cliff currently hidden behind a scree pile.

The maintenance schedule was also found to be insufficient, with no clear criteria for inspections or repairs, leading to the conclusion that the scheme would not provide long-term protection from erosion.

Plans for the seven villas have faced strong local opposition. Work on the cliffs in 2023 prompted protests, and the Marine Management Organisation later revoked a licence for the concreting of sea caves.

Following the appeal decision, the campaign group Save Whipsiderry Cliffs said:
“Of course, the valid planning permission still exists for the building of the 7 holiday villas, so in theory the developer can submit another proposal to discharge Condition 2, but in the meantime we are celebrating that the correct decision has been made.”

Radio Newquay has invited the developer to comment.