An appeal by Premier Inn against Cornwall Council’s planning committee decision to refuse its proposals for a 90-bedroom hotel in St Ives has been allowed.
How the Premier Inn will look, over St Ives harbour
The appeal decision by the Planning Inspectorate was published today, following a one-day hearing in St Ives on 19th March.
The scheme will see the demolition of the existing care home at Trewidden Road and the erection of the hotel, along with associated landscaping, car parking, and infrastructure.
The planning inspector considered a range of issues and determined that:
- the existing planning permission and building had established a precedent
- the existing care home did not make a positive contribution to the streetscape
- changing levels and landscape meant that a building of that size and scale would not be “unduly harmful” on the immediate townscape
- its location was at a gateway site for visitors to the town
- the mass of the building would be broken up by design elements and the design would result in townscape improvements
- views of the hotel would not be materially harmful when viewed from the pier and the harbour because of existing built up development
Other arguments, including impacts on traffic and parking, and a lack of need for additional hotel provision, were not supported.
St Ives Town Council and the local Cornwall councillor, Andrew Mitchell, have expressed shock and dismay at the announcement.
“We are totally shocked and dismayed by this decision,” said deputy mayor and St Ives Town Council planning chair, Ken Messenger.
“I would personally like to pay tribute to the campaign team – you have been fantastic. But as a local elected representative, I wonder what is the point of a planning process where the community’s views and 600 objections are not taken into account in such an important decision. Local democracy has been thrown out of the window.”
Andrew Mitchell added: “The town council was unanimous in its resolve against this development. I have never seen such a well organised and dedicated group, who mounted a brilliant case against this outrageous over-development.
“We now need to work together to make the best of this poor development and at least be vigilant and ensure the company delivers on its promises in terms of jobs and good local management.”
