A proposal to install a ticket machine and Automatic Numberplate Recognition (ANPR) camera at a beach car park in Cornwall is back after previously being refused by a Cornwall Council committee.

The previous application by Birmingham-based Initial Parking Ltd to put a payment machine and an ANPR camera on a pole in West Portholland car park on behalf of landowner Caerhays Estate was dubbed a “crime” by Cornwall councillor John Fitter when it was refused in November 2021. Residents living near the coastal hamlet on the Roseland Peninsula also described the move as “predatory”.

Cllr Fitter said at the time: “We have something very, very special here and it needs protection,” adding that signage in the car park left him “horrified”. He added: “It would be a crime to allow this here.” Fellow councillor Michael Bunney said at the meeting that there was no modern development in West Portholland and that it would be wrong to introduce the machine and cameras there.

The original application was refused on the grounds the camera and machine “would represent alien and visually intrusive man-made features which would fail to conserve or enhance the landscape character and scenic beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty [AONB – now known as the Cornish National Landscape] in which the site lies”.

Following an appeal, the Planning Inspectorate granted consent for the display of signs in association with the use of an ANPR camera. The new application seeks retrospective permission for the supporting infrastructure, including a pole for the ANPR camera and pay and display machine.

Agent Irwin Mitchell, for the applicant, said: “Planning permission is being sought to upgrade the method for payment of parking on site previously operated by an ‘honesty box.’ This system does not set a tariff for parking fees and currently relies on the good will of users to pay a reasonable contribution for the length of their stay. This current system is not utilised by all users and has been subject to vandalism, both of which are negatively impacting the site in respect of availability of funds for maintenance and appearance.”

There was outrage in April 2021 when ANPR machines were installed at East and West Portholland. Locals, who formed a pressure group, said at the time: “We have been upset by the imposition of this predatory parking scheme at the bequest of Caerhays Estate and installed without proper consultation with the planning department or engagement with residents and locals. Its impact on these heritage sites on a heritage coastline within an area of outstanding natural beauty and within conservation areas is unwarranted and unwanted. The impact on the local economy is also unwarranted.”

For more details see PA24/02508 on Cornwall Council’s planning portal.