The Secretary of State has announced he will not be calling in the Carlyon Bay development for a public inquiry.
Following Cornwall Council Strategic Planning Committee’s unanimous approval for the planning application in June, the case was automatically referred to the Government for consideration for a ‘call in’.
Mr Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said that after careful scrutiny, he decided there was no sufficient reason for a public inquiry and that the application should be determined at local level.
He had closely examined the impact of the proposal and the key policy issues but did not believe that the application was in conflict with national policies. He said the Government was committed to giving more power to councils and communities to make their own decisions on planning issues wherever possible.
In his letter he went on to say that the proposals ‘did not have significant effects beyond their immediate locality; give rise to substantial regional or national controversy or raise significant architectural and urban design issues’.
Jon Kenny, Development Director of Commercial Estates Group, said: “We are of course very pleased that the Secretary of State has reinforced the Government’s commitment to support local decision making so we can bring this world class destination resort into fruition.
“This also confirms the Government’s commitment to the economic growth agenda and we look forward to playing our part in the much needed rejuvenation of this part of South Cornwall.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their support and recognition that our scheme will bring some huge long term benefits to the St Austell Bay area and beyond.”
Mr Kenny said he was hoping to conclude the Section 106 legal agreement, which confirms the benefits for the local community, in the near future and at this point, Cornwall Council could issue the planning permission.
Moving forwards, there was still a great deal of work that needed to be done with Cornwall Council in discharging reserved matters including the detail for the design and materials which had not yet been submitted. A liaison group would be reconstituted to continue to involve local people in the progression of the scheme.
“We hope to proceed as soon as possible and would aim to make a start on construction next year,” he said.
Ends
Note to Editors: Letter from Secretary of State attached to email.
For further information, please contact: Michelle Sammons, Tel 07767 810481
michelle.sammons@carlyonbeach.com