The Western Morning News 19/04/2004 In a recent article about the development on the beach at Carlyon Bay you quote a "spokesman" in my office as saying that I remain neutral on planning matters. My researcher, Simon Bucknall, did tell your reporter that because I have to raise concerns on planning on behalf of constituents, whether for or against a proposal, so I have a duty to be neutral in this regard. However, he was not asked about my specific view on the Carlyon Bay development, which is rather unusual since it is actually on Crinnis beach, a beautiful part of St Austell Bay.
Normally, no development would be allowed in such a place. The only reason it can go ahead is the old buildings and old planning permissions. In my view, as I have made clear, I would prefer modern planning rules to apply, which would rule out such a development. However, given the old permissions, legally the only person who could make that happen - or indeed significantly reduce the size of the development - is the Deputy Prime Minister.
I have repeatedly urged the Deputy Prime Minister to make his mind up - but he has postponed a decision for six months. Meanwhile the developer has started work. I am doing what I can to press the Deputy Prime Minister to take action - instead he seems to want to sit on the fence until the building is a fait accompli, rather than take his responsibility for a decision.
Matthew Taylor Lib-Dem MP for Truro & St Austell