A CAMPAIGN to stop a popular Newquay headland becoming a gated housing community is gaining support.

Newquay Town Council has written to Cornwall Council outlining its backing for Glendorgal Coast Path Campaign’s definitive map modification order application, which is the legal process used to correct errors or record "lost" public rights of way.

The authority reiterated the campaign’s argument that the path has been used without restriction for decades and highlighted concerns the route has been restricted without notice as well as without any public consultation.

It follows landowner Seamus Redmond from Bluechip Hotels Limited installing a solid steel gate complete with signs warning it is private land.

Work is underway to demolish part of the Glendorgal Hotel and construct 12 luxury holiday homes including apartments, townhouses, semi-detached properties and duplex houses.

Mr Redmond insisted in a Facebook post there is no right of way along the path and threatened to prosecute anyone who tried to use it. He has offered locals a simple solution if they wish to keep using it: buy one of his new luxury holiday homes.

The town council, in the letter to Cornwall Council, stated: “It is important to note that this route was restricted without notice and any public consultation. The actions taken have therefore been a significant change and shock to the public who are extremely disappointed and upset by this development.

“Newquay Town Council is therefore concerned by this development and the impact restricting access to this part of the Southwest coast path could have for the community and the visitor economy. It is noted that this section of coast path has been used by local residents and visitors to the area for a significant amount of time and without restriction.

“The town council is therefore very supportive of the efforts being made by local residents to investigate the process around a definitive map modification order for this important section of Newquay's coast path.

“Restricting access to this section of the coast path is a very emotive issue in Newquay and the implications are far reaching in terms of the message it conveys to walkers, hikers, trail runners and visitors to Cornwall who take great pleasure in completing the Southwest coast path.

“This path has been used without restriction for as long as people can remember and there is an excepted 'custom and practice' locally that the headland is a permissible route for the enjoyment and use by the public. There are strong feelings locally that this path should be reclassified and included on the definitive map which would add clarity to the generational use of this stretch of coast path and ensure that it can be used and enjoyed without restrictions into the future.

“Newquay Town Council strongly supports the community in its investigation exploration work and endeavours with bringing about a more formalised arrangement to this stretch of coast path i.e. a modification to the definitive map.”

A spokesperson for Glendorgal Coast Path said: “We’re delighted Newquay Town Council has formally written in support of our campaign, joining the already received letter of support from our local MP, Noah Law.

“We’re incredibly grateful for their encouragement and recognition of the importance of protecting Glendorgal Headland and allowing the proper legal process to take its course. “Following the submission of both our definitive Map Modification Order application and our Town and Village Green application, we’ve also written to The Duchy of Cornwall and His Majesty The King. “This campaign has become about so much more than a footpath. “It’s about protecting our shared heritage, preserving generations of memories, and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this remarkable stretch of Cornwall’s coastline.”