THE controversial construction of holiday homes on a clifftop at Whipsiderry will help stabilise the cliff, it has been argued.

Teign Consulting Surveying, which is representing Living Quarter Properties (Porth) Limited at a forthcoming planning appeal in its bid to build seven luxury villas on the site of the former Paradise Cove Hotel, states if the cliff is left as it is erosion will lead to “stability” issues for the B3276 road.

A planning inspectorate hearing is due to be held in Newquay on November 11 at a venue to be confirmed, after the developer appealed against Cornwall Council’s refusal to discharge condition two of its planning permission, which involves the stabilisation of the cliffs.

Cornwall Council concluded Living Quarter Properties (Porth) Limited had not managed to provide evidence that the development would be protected from cliff erosion for its 125-year lifespan, but the developer argues the unitary authority’s planning department misunderstood its application.

There have been three major cliff collapses following cliff stabilisation work being carried out, which involved drilling into the rock and inserting steel rods and filling the caves with concrete.

Andy Johns from Teign Consulting Surveying told the Newquay Voice: “The construction of the holiday homes will help stabilise the cliff and it is hoped the steps leading down to the beach can be re-opened subject to Cornwall Council assessment.

“Otherwise, the erosion of the cliff will continue and ultimately lead to stability issues for the road.

“The developer is keen to invest the funds to achieve this but obviously it needs to be funded by the way of the new houses.”

Save Whipsiderry Cliffs has staged several protests to stop the luxury homes being built on the site following fears works to stabilise the cliff will destabilise it and that the scheme will have a detrimental impact on wildlife.

The campaign group is now calling on people to attend the appeal hearing.

A spokesperson for Save Whipsiderry Cliffs said: “We need people’s support.

“We can still build’ is the developer’s current line. Due to the developers’ repeated attempts to convince Cornwall Council that they can build their luxury flats the planning inspectorate are holding a public hearing. The best bit where people are invited.

“The hearing will specifically discuss whether the developer can discharge condition two, the stabilisation of the cliffs. The hearing will be held in Newquay on November 11. Venue and time to be confirmed. “People who are frustrated and angry at the developers’ repeated attempts to build please join us on the day.”

Newquay Town Council and Save Whipsiderry Cliffs have opposed Living Quarter Properties (Porth) Limited’s planning appeal.

They have questioned the findings of AGS Ground Solutions, which the developer commissioned to undertake a ground stability appraisal as part of the application. The report from AGS Solutions concluded the major landslips have occurred since cliff stabilisation works started has “provided benefits to the cliff’s stability.”

AGS Ground Solutions added: “There are a number of cliff faces which are larger and or more complex which have been successfully stabilised in Cornwall across the UK and further afield and there is no reason why this cliff face cannot also be stabilised.”

Teign Consulting Surveying added: “We note that Newquay Town Council oppose the consented development and are keen to see the project halted and have requested Cornwall Council investigate rescinding the planning permission,

“As such, Newquay Town Council cannot be classed as independent or unconflicted in their response.”