Call for eyesore derelict buildings to demolished following blaze

A COUNCILLOR has called on the owners of “eyesore” abandoned buildings in Newquay to have them demolished following a fire at a prominent derelict clifftop property.

Cllr Steve Slade believes developers who have “no intention” of renovating the buildings should be forced to knock them down as they are “dangerous” and “ugly” blights on the town.

He has spoken out after fire crews from Newquay and Perranporth battled a blaze at Skerryvore House at Island Crescent on Friday night at about 7pm. A group of youths were allegedly captured on a neighbour’s CCTV running from the scene.

Skerryvore House, which has been derelict for many years, has previously been a target for arsonists.

Newquay Town Council’s derelict buildings working party has added Skerryvore House to its list of properties it would like to see redeveloped following concerns it is an eyesore and a target for arson attacks.

The group fears an increasing number of derelict buildings will have a cumulative negative impact on the town and its tourism.

Cllr Slade said: “The fire at Skerryvore is yet another example of the consequences of allowing developers to let their properties fall into dereliction.

“The owners of these eyesores should be compelled to demolish the buildings as soon as they are bought. They have no intention to renovate the buildings so knock them down.

“Instead, we have to put up with our town dotted with half destroyed buildings. I urge Cornwall Council and our Cornwall councillors to work with MP Noah Law and rid our town of the dangerous and ugly blights on our town.”

The owner of Skerryvore initially planned to demolish the building and build a new home there after purchasing the site in 2024.

But she was told she cannot build a new property there as the site falls within the Coastal Change Management Area, which is a planning designation where new permanent residential building is generally restricted or considered inappropriate due to high risks of coastal erosion.

She now plans to retain and remodel the building to create a new contemporary home, but the planning process is taking time to complete.

The owner of Skerryvore House said: “Before we purchased Skerryvore we did all the checks with planning that we could demolish the building and build a single replacement dwelling. We had two geological studies done that prove the site is stable.

“The plans went to planning but Cornwall Council planners said the Environment Agency coastal erosion line showed a new building cannot be built there because it falls outside their line.

“Planners are unable to override the Environment Agency decision without further investigations, which involves boreholes to prove stability of the rock.

“Once we have this report the planning application will be resubmitted. It is not in the owners interest to delay or prolong the redevelopment of one house on this prominent site. I’m completely tied by the planning system.

“I’m not a developer. This a one-off home, which will hopefully enhance the area. I’m doing my best for the site.”