CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert a former military camp near Holywell Bay into a holiday park have been recommended for approval.

Cornwall Council planning officer James Moseley believes the scheme to partially demolish the existing buildings at the Penhale Camp at Kelsey Head and create a 67-unit holiday park is “acceptable.”

He also recommends separate plans should be approved to build new housing units and refurbish existing cottages to form three dwellings at the former Ministry of Defence site.

More than 100 residents and campaign group Friends of Penhale have objected to the plans following concerns the protected landscape could be damaged by thousands of visitors descending on the area every year. They also fear rare and fragile ecosystems and wildlife-rich habitats would be damaged or destroyed by mass tourism.

The Ramblers Association has objected to the development stating the whole area has become a nature zone, with rare species of butterflies, birds, and amphibians and provides green corridors inland for these species not compatible with a heavily developed site.

Perranzabuloe Parish Council has objected on the grounds that introducing residential and tourism development would have an adverse effect on the landscape quality of the area of great landscape value.

The holiday park plans, which have been submitted by Clerkenwell Estates (Holywell Bay) Ltd, also include building a swimming pool, spa area, restaurant, bar, reception building and staff facilities.

Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee is due to make a decision on the application at its meeting being held at County Hall on Thursday. (December 19)

Mr Moseley has recommended the schemes should be approved as providing there is confirmation of a package of measures to mitigate impacts to the designated Penhale Dunes Special Area of Conservation.

He said: “It is considered that the principle of a holiday park on the site in question is acceptable.

“While outside of any established settlement, the site utilises an expanse of previously developed land, with a significant number of buildings and associated infrastructure having been associated with the former military use.

“Given the presence of numerous existing buildings, it is considered an appropriate location for the provision of alternative, improved buildings.

“The site is within comfortable walking distance of the settlement of Holywell, and the facilities contained therein, which include a convenience store, public house and bus service, as well as within walking distance of the beach – a clear attraction for a tourist destination. “With this in mind, it is considered sustainably located, while it is additionally an appropriate scale to its level of accessibility.

“In considering the overall planning balance, significant weight is attributed to the provision of new, high quality tourist accommodation, which will make a significant contribution to employment opportunities in the local area, on a previously developed site in an accessible area. Positive weight is also attributed to the potential visual improvements through an improved built form in a publicly visible location.

“With ecological matters addressed, there are not considered to be any demonstrable concerns which outweigh the positive impacts identified.”