CAMPAIGNERS have been left devastated after failing in their final bid to stop a controversial plan to build a £60-million luxury holiday resort on the outskirts of Newquay.

Angela Raynor, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has decided not to call in Cornwall Council’s approval to build the 400 lodge Green Ridge Resort on land off the A392 at Colan, Quintrell Downs.

The Secretary of State said that she is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.

Residents requested Ms Raynor should make the decision on the holiday park plans after arguing Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee made its decision without any meaningful scrutiny of the developers’ claims of economic gains and job creation.

More than 350 people, along with Colan Parish Council, Newquay MP Noah Law and Colan Cornwall councillor John Fitter had objected to the scheme submitted by Kingsley Developments as they believe it will have an unacceptable level harm to the landscape, ecology and historical setting of the area.

Residents argue the scheme will lead to the loss of versatile agricultural land and exacerbate congestion in the area.

A spokesperson for Residents Against Green Ridge Development said: ““The local community in Quintrell Downs and Mountjoy are deeply disappointed by the Secretary of State's decision not to "call in" the Green Ridge Resort planning application.

“Residents feel devastated that the holiday park will be constructed on valuable agricultural land, rich in biodiversity, and forever lost to the parish of Colan.

“The community is also bracing for the inevitable impact on daily life, as the already-busy village faces a significant increase in traffic, which will undoubtedly disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and strain local infrastructure.

“This decision has left many feeling that their voices have been ignored in the fight to protect the Cornish countryside that both locals and visitors to the county hold in such high regard.

“The councillors who voted in favour should be held accountable in the next local elections.

“Not a single councillor questioned or drilled down into the inflated claims about job creation and the overstated economic benefits, even in the face of opposition from Visit Cornwall, who were also disregarded.

“Ultimately, the only real winners are Kingsley Developments, and we should not be surprised if they later apply for a change of use.

“Given this council's track record, they might very well approve it without hesitation.”

The Green Ridge resort will include a reception area, a swimming pool, spa and indoor activity centre, food and beverage outlets, outdoor activities including a water park, splash park, playground, dog walking trail, walking trails and seasonal outdoor events areas and a series of permanent lakes.

Kingsley Developments declined to comment on the decision.