Cornish Guardian 05/09/2003 09:30 - 30 October 2003 From:http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

PEOPLE POWER FORCES PULL OUT AT PORTHMEOR BEACH by MAX CHANNON STAFF REPORTER

People power has saved Porthmeor beach from development - as St Ives Beach Properties Ltd has abandoned its plans to create luxury housing on the site of the 'west end' beach hut complex.

In a short statement issued last Thursday, Ian Shearer - one of the development firm's directors - said: "Despite my enthusiasm for creating houses of exceptional architectural merit, using natural materials to reflect the beauty of Porthmeor Beach, helping to build a Life Saving Club and providing low cost housing for the people of St Ives, I have no wish in anyway to upset the community. "I will not proceed with the project without the positive support of the majority of that community.

"Accordingly, I will not now be making a planning application for the scheme."

The announcement came after Penwith District Council's chief executive Jim McKenna - who has been criticised for describing the proposals as 'exciting' and meeting with the developer - contacted Mr Shearer and told him there was little point in continuing with the scheme.

Mr McKenna told The Cornishman: "In recent weeks it has become apparent that there is little support for the proposed Porthmeor Beach Scheme in St Ives.

"This has been reflected by the many letters and comments received by my office.

"Having discussed the matter with district councillors I advised the developer, Mr Shearer, that there was little point in proceeding with public consultation or on any further work with the scheme as there was only a minimal chance of it being approved by the council.

"Hopefully this will reassure the very many people who have opposed this scheme that their views have been listened too - and that, as I have previously stated, there was absolutely no done deal."

The news has been warmly received in St Ives - where the community made it clear it objected to the principle of building luxury homes on beaches, regardless of the quality of architecture or any fringe benefits like a new home for the Surf Life Saving Club or cash for affordable housing.

Marilyn Weston who, along with her friend Ann Buckley, had vowed to start an action group to fight the development, told The Cornishman she was 'thrilled' the developer was now pulling out.

"Ann and I are absolutely thrilled that the developer has withdrawn his proposals.

"Our aim was always to stop the development before it got to a planning stage - and we are absolutely delighted we have been successful.

"Perhaps Penwith District council will now learn that St Ives is a town that will defend its heritage with a passion."