A BUSINESS in Newquay has lodged an appeal against the council’s decision to refuse its controversial redevelopment plans.

Cornwall Council rejected a planning application submitted by TLS Solicitors in St Michael’s Road to demolish its premises and construct a mix use building consisting of offices, nine residential units and parking.

Planners concluded the proposal's footprint, scale and massing would cause harm to the intrinsic character and appearance of Ennors Road.

Residents and Newquay Town Council objected to the scheme as it would involve knocking down part of the historic wall, which backs onto the public church footpath and the cul-de-sac of Ennors Road to create a new vehicle access connecting the solicitor’s car park to the road.

Residents in Ennors Road also opposed the scheme arguing vehicles cutting across the footpath into the cul-de-sac would have a detrimental impact on the neighbourhood.

But Situ8 Planning Consultancy Ltd on behalf of Brian Taggart / St Michael’s Gate Limited in the appeal argues the proposal makes “effective use” of a sustainable previously developed site.

Situ8 stated: “The appellant’s case is that the proposal represents sustainable development in a highly accessible town-centre location on previously developed land; that the design and amenity concerns identified by the council take too narrow a view of the site’s urban context, topography and existing commercial character; and that the second reason for refusal is capable of resolution through the unilateral undertaking submitted with this appeal.

“The appeal therefore turns on whether the localised design and amenity effects identified by the council, if properly assessed, significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal when assessed against the policies of the national planning policy framework taken as a whole.

“The proposal makes effective use of a sustainable previously developed site; it addresses its primary St Michaels Road frontage acceptably, as accepted by the officer.

“It responds to the site’s substantial fall in levels; it sits at a point where the urban grain changes rather than continues unchanged; and it reflects the framework’s and policy’s recognition of appropriate innovation in urban infill.

“Any residual character and appearance harm is localised and limited in degree. It should not be treated as harm of such weight that it significantly and demonstrably outweighs the substantial benefits of the proposal.”

Newquay Conservation Area Group and Save Church Path Newquay were among the groups who opposed the redevelopment plans.

A spokesperson for Newquay Conservation Area Group said: “Cornwall Council has confirmed that an appeal has been lodged with the Secretary of State against the Council's refusal of the planning application for proposed demolition of 19, St Michael's Road and construction of mixed-use building.

“Last year, the Newquay Conservation Area, residents of Ennors Road and the wider public objected to the application, citing the loss of part of the historic boundary wall of church path and concerns that vehicles crossing the public footpath to Ennors Road would harm the neighbourhood, posing risks to pedestrian safety and increasing traffic.

“Anyone wishing to submit new comments to the appeal can do so by July 13, 2026.”