Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has today added his support to the concerns raised by local residents over the future of a section of the Porth coast path.
Commenting, Steve said;
“I have recently received a great deal of correspondence regarding planning application at the old Paradise Cover hotel site, particularly regarding the proposed changes to the footpath that currently runs through it.”
“Many of the residents who have contacted me tell me that the path, which runs along the cliff-edge, has been used by the public for many years, some even report using it for more than 50 years, whereas others, including the Cornwall Councillor for the area, John Fitter, tells me that the path and land in question was given for public enjoyment in the 1970s and was even maintained by Cornwall Council until a year or so ago, with substantial repairs to fencing carried out in the area in question.”
“I also agree with the South West Coast Path Association’s statement in their objection that ‘it would appear likely to have accrued public right of access as it has been in use for many years, without challenge from the previous owners’.”
“With the number of objections already registered and organisations such as the South West Coast Path Association objecting to the plans, the message from the people is clear: it would be a great loss to the local area if the application in question was approved.”
“I have today written to the Head of Planning at Cornwall Council, outlining my concerns and urged him to listen to the overwhelming public opinion on this matter, backed up with the strong concerns from the local ward member, ask that Cornwall Council’s officers take the strength of these objections into account when making their decision. “
“A developer’s profit should not be prioritised over the public’s ability to enjoy this stretch of beautiful coastal path.”
Commenting John Fitter, Cornwall Councillor for St Mawgan & Colan, said:
“I am delighted that our Member of Parliament is able to offer such positive support to the community at Porth who have concern about fate of the much used coastal foot path which runs alongside the site of the development of the former Paradise Cove Hotel”.