Friday 8th December 2006

The public inquiry to consider what type of sea defences should be built was closed after sitting for four weeks.

In his final speech, Mr Bill Hicks, QC for developer Ampersand, said: “The extant wall will be built if the proposal is not permitted. This is not a case where the possibility is theoretical. It is real and almost certain.

“In this case, the ‘real possibility’ criteria is clearly met and the likelihood of the fall-back being implemented is such that it is difficult to contemplate there being a sound reason for refusing the proposal if it is overall preferable in planning terms to the extant wall.”

Mr Harry Spurr, barrister for Restormel Borough Council, which last year voted unanimously to support the planning application for the improved sea defences, said: “Restormel’s concern throughout this episode has been to ensure the highest standards of flood defence for the occupants of the leisure development at Carlyon Bay.

“Restormel sees this application as an irresistible opportunity to secure a substantial reduction in the risk to both life and property at the site.”

It was hard to understand some of the objectors to the scheme who were using a “high risk strategy” by seeking to persuade the Secretary of State that Ampersand was “bluffing”, he commented.

“This would be a dangerous gamble indeed,” he said. “This inquiry is not … a game of poker. It is a serious process designed to ensure the highest protection for life and property against the devastating effects of flooding – high stakes indeed.”

After the inquiry concluded, Mr Andrew Woods, Ampersand director, commented: “Questions were raised at the public inquiry by Cornwall County Council and the Environment Agency about our intention and ability to build our holiday resort.

“It’s been made patently clear that we can - and will - build our world class holiday resort. The only question which remains to be answered is whether to proceed with the sea defences which meet the most up-to-date level of flood protection or to build the original sea wall.

“The answer to this question now lies with the Secretary of State.

“With the exception of the irrational attitude of Cornwall County Council and the Environment Agency, who argued that the improved sea wall should not be approved because it is contrary to policy, most people would agree that it is simple commonsense to ensure that a holiday resort which is close to the sea, is built with the best level of flood protection.

“We anticipate that the decision will be positive. Whatever happens, we will proceed with the next stage of building our £200m world class resort, which will result in a significant boost to the regional economy in terms of providing high quality, tourist accommodation and facilities, employment opportunities and investment for both St Austell and the wider Cornwall area.

“There has been unprecedented support for Ampersand’s proposal from Carlyon Bay residents as well as many local and regional business organisations - all who want the development to go ahead and believe that it will provide significant benefits which are key to the growth of the area.

“The development will afford a unique opportunity to clear the currently derelict site and provide the type of world-class holiday resort which Cornwall and the UK tourism industry needs,” he said.

“We are most grateful to all those who have strongly supported us and understand that what we are offering to Cornwall is one of the best opportunities the county has seen for a long time.”

The Inspector overseeing the inquiry will submit his recommendations to the Secretary of State in early March 2007. It is anticipated that the Secretary of State will make her decision by July 2007.