A developer behind controversial plans to redevelop the Narrowcliff in Newquay has scaled back its proposed scheme for the second time following a public backlash.

Salboy’s new planning application on the site of the Hotel Bristol, Narrowcliff Hotel and Narrowcliff Surgery comprises 143 new dwellings in three separate buildings over five storeys.

The company originally proposed to construct a 14 storey high scheme at its highest, which included a new 78-bedroom hotel, 164 residential apartments and 14,000 sq metres of commercial space.

The original 14 storey high scheme proposed (Salboy)

Residents argued the scheme would dwarf the surrounding area including Tolcarne Beach, the Barrowfields and nearby residential properties.

The developer went back to the drawing board following the public outcry and proposed a 10 storey high scheme consisting of up to 180 residential units and a 44-bedroom aparthotel though the proposed development still faced a barrage of criticism from people who the scheme was still too high.

The second scheme proposed was 10 storeys high (Salboy)

Salboy now hopes its new plans will alleviate people’s concerns about the height of the scheme and its impact on the surrounding area. Some people have embraced the changes but others have said they still do not like the “eyesore” scheme describing it as an “horrific Benidorm development.” 

They are also opposed to the Hotel Bristol being knocked down to make way for the scheme.

Lynn Gower said: “I still object to this development. It is too big and visually totally distasteful.

"There are many local people struggling to find somewhere decent to live, why are they not being taken into consideration ? 

"Where is the affordable housing? Judging by the traffic jams in the summer season there is ample holiday accommodation in the area. "This development will not be affordable for local people, so who will be buying the apartments? 

"Obviously second home owners and people buying with the intention to do holiday letting. 

"I cannot see any advantage to locals in having to live with this blot on the landscape."

Becky Morton added: “What happened to replacing like for like, I don't see anywhere about another hotel, just all over priced flats, which no one in Cornwall can afford to buy. Newquay has too many of these. 

“The height is better than before though. If Cornwall Council approves this, then you all need sacking.”

Salboy’s planning application states:  "The current scheme is a direct response to all key comments obtained during the pre-planning consultation process and feedback received through the formal neighbourhood consultation process to the previously submitted proposal.

"The proposed scheme is ground plus four storeys throughout with occasional top storey setbacks providing large external terrace spaces overlooking Tolcarne Beach and a varied roofscape. 

"Verticality is emphasized along the Narrowcliff elevation through consistent seven metre vertical bays creating a series of facade typologies with individual characters in terms of materiality and roof form.

"A muted palette of materials makes reference to the sites coastal location as well as tones set out within the Newquay Pattern Book A landscaped communal garden to the rear contains enough carparking spaces to allow one space per home. 

"Private dwellings extend down to ground floor along the Narrowcliff elevation bringing an element of activity and greenery to the street in the form of front gardens."