Local residents who are strong advocates for The Beach have launched their own independent group SAND (Support a New Development) to ensure their views are heard.

Frustrated by false claims that everyone in the area was opposed to the development, SAND aims to put the record straight and demonstrate that a substantial level of support exists.

To find out more, contact Ray Pipe at raypipe@btconnect.com

“Those opposing The Beach made the mistake of assuming they represented all the residents of Carlyon Bay …. But there were a considerable number of very local residents who were of the opinion that Ampersand’s plans were a step in the right direction.

“The area is run down… it is generally scruffy and a disgrace to our neighbourhood. We favour the development because it will increase the attraction not just to St Austell, but to Cornwall in general and will bring sorely needed employment opportunities to the area.”
Ray Pipe, Chairman of SAND

“The Beach would be a flagship for Cornwall and a jewel in the crown for the St Austell area.

“The sooner construction can start, the sooner we’ll all have the chance to enjoy this much-needed landmark development which is so crucial to attract tourists and visitors to the area.

"We fully back this scheme, believe support for The Beach is substantial and that the majority of people believe it is essential to Cornwall’s sustainable economic future.”
Paul Scott, Chairman of St Austell District Chamber of Commerce and Industry

“You would expect a project valued at £200 million would be welcomed with open arms. What a crying shame and what a terribly negative message to send to the outside world and to future potential investors in Cornwall.

“The current site is a disgrace and the sooner the project can get started again the better for all of us. The Beach will help to create a strong local community which can be more confident in promoting itself to the outside world and will offer high quality leisure facilities which can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

“Which sign do we put on the River Tamar on the way into Cornwall? Is it to be ‘Open for Business’ or ‘Retirement Home – Do Not Disturb’.”
James Staughton, Managing Director of St Austell Brewery

“It would either be a blind man or a fool who could not see the benefits that this project will bring to the whole area.”
Steve Hurst, St Austell Independent Traders

“In my experience, the majority of businesses in this area are lying down waiting to die due, in part, to the lack of vision of certain organisations who will go out of their way to hinder projects like this.”
Richard King, Institute of Directors and Federation of Small Businesses

“The Western Morning News has been a supporter of Ampersand and The Beach from the start. We understand some of the local concerns about building in an attractive coastal location but this part of Carlyon Bay had already been built on and now desperately needs improving.

“A top quality development that continues to allow local people access to the beach is the right way forward. In time, we are sure this development will go ahead and will prove as big an asset to Cornwall as the Eden Project and the Tate Gallery at St Ives – both controversial and ground-breaking in their time.”
Western Morning News