PLANS have been submitted to install a lighting scheme at a popular Newquay beauty spot to make the area more welcoming and safer.

Newquay Town Council proposes to install 23 lanterns on four and five metre posts at the Killacourt as well as remove three existing lighting columns.

Enerveo was commissioned to design a scheme to enhance the visibility of the area as most of the green space is not covered by lighting.

The town council was awarded funding for the project through the Town Regeneration and Investment Programme, which is aimed at boosting high street business growth.

The footpath adjacent to the Chymedden flats would have a reduced lighting level, which is 33 per cent less bright than the lighting level used elsewhere to minimise light intrusion into the flats.

A pre-application consultation letter was issued to the surrounding residents advising them of the proposed application and seeking their feedback. Positive responses supporting the proposed scheme were given by Chymedden.

The planning statement said: “The town council was successfully awarded funding to commission the design of a lighting scheme for the Killacourt.

“The site currently only benefits from adjacent street lighting along The Crescent, two luminaires on the site itself at the southern footpath and to the north at the entrance to the steps heading down to Towan Beach.

“Additionally, there is very minimal strip lighting housed in the Concrete Benches.

“The wider site does not benefit from any illumination.

“The only lighting on the Killacourt at present is a luminaire at the top of the steps down alongside Blue Reef Aquarium, a luminaire at the top footpath adjacent to Chymedden, a main luminaire at the top of the site and the strip lighting in the Concrete benches which only serve the main footpath.

“The rest of the site is not lit during the hours of dusk and darkness.

“This proposal addresses the need identified in the Newquay Neigbourhood Plan to ensure new footpaths feel safe and that the lighting is adequate to support surveillance and assist the Devon and Cornwall Police when dealing with crime and disorder.

“This proposal aims to make the Killacourt a more welcoming and inclusive space in the late hours and evenings.

“Having a sufficient and well-planned lighting scheme will make the open space more attractive to visitors, extending the amount of time they will stay on the Killacourt in turn supporting local economy and making the space more appealing to event organisers who have previously had to apportion an element of their budget on hiring in external floodlights.

“The proposed lighting scheme is a carefully considered, environmentally responsible enhancement to the Killacourt and builds on the established pattern of high-quality improvements.

“The design respects the site’s coastal landscape and ecological sensitivities while improving safety, accessibility, and evening enjoyment of this important public space.

“The proposal supports Newquay’s visitor economy by improving the evening ambience and safety of a key public space.

“The design enhances the visitor experience while respecting environmental and heritage constraints.”