Campaigners opposed to the Narrowcliff redevelopment have not given up hope the controversial planning permission could be overturned.

Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, is considering whether to call in Cornwall Council’s planning approval to knock down The Hotel Bristol, Narrowcliff Hotel and Narrowcliff Surgery and build 143 new dwellings in three separate buildings over five storeys.

Newquay Town Council is also seeking legal advice before deciding whether to take the decision to a judicial review as it says the scheme goes against the Newquay Neighbourhood Plan due to the height of the buildings.

Residents and town councillors wanted to see Cornwall Council’s central sub-area planning committee making the decision on the plans rather than it being decided through delegated powers “behind closed doors” as more than 700 people opposed the scheme. The planning committee meeting would have also given the public an opportunity to have their say.

Newquay Central Cornwall councillor Louis Gardner decided against ‘calling in’ the planning application despite the level of opposition.

He argued the scheme meets all the planning criteria including the designated height for the Narrowcliff.

Cllr Gardner also stated the development would offer the required affordable housing but “most importantly,” would facilitate and also help to pay for the brand-new doctor’s surgery.

Many residents are opposed to the plans as they fear the scheme will dwarf the surrounding area including Tolcarne Beach, the Barrowfields and nearby residential properties.

Others argue The Hotel Bristol should be preserved due to its local importance, being one of only five historic hotels still standing in Newquay despite the building not being Grade II listed.

Town councillor Nick Morris received confirmation in a letter on behalf of the Secretary of State Mr Gove that stated the minister is looking at the Narrowcliff planning approval after writing to him.

The letter stated: “The application is currently under consideration and your views, along with all other relevant information, will be taken into account before the Secretary of State decides whether or not to call-in the application for determination.”

Cllr Morris said: “To all the objectors. All hope is not lost. The only man in the country who can turn this down is looking at this approved planning application.”

Cllr Kenny added: “We will be referring the whole process and the decision to our legal advisors.    

“The recommendation to progress further with a judicial review is down to the clerk, the mayor and deputy mayor based on the advice they receive, and they will report back to the town council before any decision is made.    

 “I believe the council has a strong case both for the process failure that denied a proper review at the Cornwall Council sub-committee.”