Cornish Guardian 04/10/2003 2003

Beach Project 'Jumps the Gun'.

Developers of the £120 million Beach at Carlyon Bay project insist the scheme will go-ahead even if it is "called-in" by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott for a public inquiry.

The Ampersand Group is developing the beachside site to include 511 luxury apartments, retail units, a new promenade, leisure and health facilities as well as a range of bars and restaurants to create a world-class holiday destination.

But objectors have demanded an inquiry because they say the scheme is grossly excessive, and claim Ampersand had "jumped the gun" by moving plant on to the site.

Jackson Civil Engineering, of Ipswich, one of only seven Environment Agency approved specialists in coastal defence, bridge and tunnelling works, is in place and ready to start work on their £30 million contract.

Ampersand chairman Johnny Sandelson told the Cornish Guardian on Tuesday that work will start on the development soon, whether or not the company's planning application is "called in".

He said that he already had the benefit of a 1990's planning permission to build 511 apartments, houses and leisure facilities on the site.

"A lot of money is at stake and there are commercial deadlines to be met, so work will start even if it means implementing our existing planning permission.

"Seventy buyers of apartments have signed contracts and another 60 or so are in the process of signing.

"The vast majority of people want to see this project happen and we are very excited about getting started.

"We have been waiting weeks and weeks. We have to push ahead and we are just getting on with it," said Mr Sandelson.

Ampersand's beachside project is opposed by pressure group CarlyonBayWatch, which staged and Information and Awareness Day at Charlestown last Thursday.

CBW spokesman Peter Browning said; "From my understanding what was stated at our public meeting, this may be a little premature. We were told that there is a question as to whether or not Ampersand has complied with all of the requirements of the original planning consent.

"I hope those responsible for the public footpath along the edge of the cliff-top and those responsible for planning and engineering issues, have all been fully consulted before any work is started."

CarlyonBayWatch chairman, Mark Frazer said: There are so many complex planning issues and unanswered questions still to be addressed that this matter should be called in for a full independent public inquiry.

"That was the majority view at out public meeting."

Mr Sandelson said: "I don't think the group fairly represents the views of the local or wider community. We have tried to talk things through with them, but they don't want to meet us half-way.

"Sniping remarks are not for us. There is a time for talking and a time for action and the time has come to take action."