A PLAN to modernise a disused coastal hotel described as an ‘eyesore’ could still happen, despite a proposal to turn it into a 20-unit apartment hotel with a restaurant and shop being refused by Cornwall Council earlier this year.

The hotel’s owners have had a bid to appeal the decision approved. PBHH Ltd, owners of the former Pendower Beach House Hotel - affectionately known as the ‘pink hotel’ before it was given a paint job - submitted plans in 2024 for the regeneration of the site overlooking the beach near Veryan on the Roseland Peninsula.

Consisting of a two-storey scheme, the regeneration encompasses 20 two- and three-bed family self-catering holiday-let suites, a public café and restaurant with 40 internal and up to 40 external covers, a shop for use by self-catering visitors and beachgoers, and on-site accommodation for staff. The proposal also included road improvements and stabilisation, access, parking, landscaping and biodiversity, infrastructure and other works.

However, the application was refused by Cornwall Council’s planning department in March following opposition by a local group called Friends of Pendower Beach which argued that the proposal went against planning policy and could ruin an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or National Landscape as it is now known.

Almost 400 people commented on the plans on the council website with the majority against. However, a number of people said the development would enhance what has been a derelict site.

In its refusal notice, the council stated: “The proposed development constitutes ‘major development’ on a highly sensitive site within the Cornwall National Landscape and Heritage Coast, which by reason of its layout, density, scale, massing and design, the engineering works to Rocky Lane, together with increased light pollution and localised skyglow in this currently largely dark environment would result in unacceptable harm to the landscape and scenic beauty of the Cornwall National Landscape and unacceptable harm to the special character of the Heritage Coast.”

The planning department also noted that the development would encroach into the Pennarin Point to Portscatho County Wildlife Site (CWS) resulting in a loss of habitat. Officers also said the application had failed to demonstrate that the required minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity had been achieved and also failed to achieve on-site renewable energy generation to match its total energy consumption.

PBHH Ltd appealed the decision in September. Planning consultant Russell Dodge, on behalf of the company, said: “As compared to the current deteriorating condition of the appeal site, which has been described as an eyesore, the appeal application will improve the character of the National Landscape in this location. They will also bring significant, economic, social and environmental public benefits.

“It is the appellant’s case that a thriving and viable hotel redevelopment of the appeal site will make a positive contribution to the enjoyment of Pendower Beach and the National Landscape in addition to the wide-ranging public benefits to the local area.”

The Government’s Planning Inspectorate verified last month that an appeal will take place with a hearing earmarked for Tuesday, December 16 at a venue to be confirmed.