A planning inspector has overturned Cornwall Council’s refusal of a controversial 90-room Premier Inn in St Ives, paving the way for the hotel’s construction despite local opposition.
The council initially rejected the proposal last year, citing concerns over the loss of the harbour town’s last residential care home, which would be demolished to make way for the new development.
Parent company Whitbread appealed the decision, ultimately succeeding in securing approval from the planning inspectorate.
The planning inspector said “the juxtaposition of the new building in relation to neighbouring properties would be such that a building of the size and scale proposed would not be unduly harmful to the immediate townscape within which it sits”.
The decision has been met by anger from St Ives Town Council and a Cornwall councillor.
Councillor Ken Messenger, deputy mayor and chair of the town’s council’s planning committee, said: “We are totally shocked and dismayed by this decision.
“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.”
Councillor Andrew Mitchell, who represents St Ives West & Towednack on Cornwall Council, said “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.”
St Ives is known for being as one of the UK’s most picturesque harbour resorts and is popular with tourists as a holiday destination.
Under the approved plans, the care home will be demolished and replaced with the hotel, landscaping, car parking and other infrastructure.
Louise Woodruff, from Whitbread, said: “We are very pleased that our planning appeal to bring Premier Inn to St Ives has been allowed.
“We will now work with the owner of Trewidden Care Home to complete the purchase of the site.
“This process is expected to take at least six months, enabling time for Cornwallis Care to support the residents and their families to transition to appropriate accommodation within their group.”
