St Ives Town Council and the local Cornwall Councillor have today expressed shock and dismay on the announcement that Premier Inn have won their planning appeal for a 90 bedroom hotel at Trewidden Road, St Ives.
A full account of the appeal decision can be read HERE. But, in summary 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.
Speaking about the decision, Deputy Mayor and St Ives Town Council Planning Chair, Councillor Ken Messenger 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”.
Cornwall Councillor for the division, Andrew Mitchell 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”
