A plan to build a modern six-bedroom house overlooking a popular Cornish beach has been dubbed an “alien intrusion” by the local parish council.

The development is the latest housing application for Mawgan Porth, the site of recent concern about an eco-house being built for actress Cate Blanchett and her husband.

MOKD Ltd has applied to demolish the three 19th century Old Coastguard Cottages at Mawgan Porth Hill, the only houses on the opposite side of the bay from where most development has taken place in the cove near Newquay.

The aim is to replace them with a new house, including carport, detached garage, shed, shower changing room, vehicular parking and turning area, external soft‐landscaped garden, hot tub and ecological and biodiversity improvements.

The application was due to come before Cornwall Council’s central area planning committee on Monday (April 8) but the scheme was withdrawn from the agenda.

The coastguard cottages which would have to be demolished to make way for the six-bedroom house (Pic: IHBC) ( )

Local councillor Paul Wills said: “I support the application for the so-called coastguard cottages at Mawgan Porth.

“They are unfit for human habitation, they have no real historic value having only been accommodation for coastguards for a very short time.

“The assurance given by planning officers that no further builds will be allowed on that side of the cliffs at Mawgan Porth.

“The proposed new build will be a single family home for a local family with connections to the area. The new build’s design will complement the area.”

However, Mawgan‐in‐Pydar Parish Council has objected to the proposal on the grounds of bulk, massing in a prominent position and the amount of glazing proposed.

The council stated: “The site is in a prominent position overlooking the bay and visible from the South West Coast Path.

“As the only building on the southern side of the bay, the existing coastguard cottages sit comfortably and unobtrusively within the landscape.

“In contrast, the dominating, angular design of the proposed replacement represents an alien intrusion, which the parish council considers will have a harmful impact on the landscape within the area of great landscape value (AGLV).

“The parish council concurs with the objections from the South West Coast Path Association and the Ramblers on the impact of the proposed development visually within the setting and on the enjoyment of the coast path.”

How the new home would look overlooking Mawgan Porth beach (Pic: MOKD Ltd) ( )

In a report to the planning committee, case officer Fionna Catlin writes: “The site lies in a prominent location and can be viewed as you approach Mawgan Porth from the south, as well as from the settlement itself and the South West coast path.

“The economic, social and environmental benefits associated with introducing improved living accommodation on a site within a settlement weigh in favour of this application.

“The proposed design is considered to be an example of high quality innovative contemporary architecture which makes an appropriate response to its coastal setting, working with the contours and landform of the slope and taking inspiration from the craggy nature and dark shadows of the cliff below and overshadowing scrubby vegetation above.”

She added: “Your officers are of the opinion that this proposal would add genuine quality and interest and is a betterment when compared to the existing buildings on the land.”

The cottages were built in the early part of the 19th century and were subsequently used as coastguard cottages from the mid 19th century through to the late 20th century.

“Though not listed, their connection with Cornwall’s maritime history means the cottages are considered to be non‐designated heritage assets.

The planning report adds: “Incremental changes and unsympathetic works carried out over time have diminished their planned design and replaced many of the traditional materials which contributed to their character and as a result the redundant cottages are not considered to be of high significance.”

In February, a holiday let owner accused Cate Blanchett and husband Andrew Upton of having a “total disregard” for their neighbours in Mawgan Porth.

Karen Burgess, who owns a neighbouring holiday let, said noise from the construction of their home last year had all but “destroyed” the holidays of her guests.

However, the architect for the property claimed it was a case of mistaken identity – and the noise was not coming from the actress’ property.