A CONSERVATION group has opposed plans to demolish part of a historic Newquay hotel as part of multi million pound redevelopment scheme.

Newquay Conservation Area group object to The Nicholas James Group (NJG) knocking down the eastern wing of the Hotel Victoria as it would constitute “heritage harm.”

The hotel owner argues “unsympathetic later additions,” including the east wing will be removed to help reinstate the hotel’s original symmetrical form and enhance its setting within a “generous landscaped frontage.”

The major redevelopment scheme involves the refurbishment and extension of the Hotel Victoria, together with the demolition of a number of buildings, including the Griffin Inn and Senor Dicks Mexican Restaurant Berties Nightclub, O’Flanagans Bar and Berties Backpackers.

The planning application also includes knocking down the residential dwelling to the northwest of the hotel and 1 Cliff Road and the erection of 81 apartments with a commercial ground level unit, associated landscaping, parking, infrastructure and works.

A spokesperson for Newquay Conservation The proposals would result in the loss of the eastern section of the Victoria Hotel, which is identified as a historic part of a non-designated heritage asset.

“Planning and heritage officers confirm that this section contributes to the hotel’s historic and townscape significance, and its demolition would constitute heritage harm, resulting in the loss of locally important historic fabricBoth the Historic Environment Officer and the Cornwall Design Review Panel state that the loss of the eastern section is not currently justified, noting that the heritage rationale is unclear and that further Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) work is required.

“While retaining the eastern section may constrain redevelopment potential, the Planning Officer confirms that this does not remove the need for clear and convincing justification in line with heritage policy.”