Meudon Hotel, Maenporth application to build holiday units

The new owners of the Meudon Hotel near Maenporth, Kingfisher Resorts, want to site the ten holiday units in woods which it owns going down to the shoreline.

The company also wants to build a guest suite containing all the leisure facilities as well cycle store, greenhouse, bat roost building and substation.

The original hotel has been extensively refurbished. Image Hotel Meudon

It also wants to demolish the existing staff accommodation block and other ancillary garden structures and comprehensive landscaping to the northern field and northern slopes of the existing tropical garden.

The property was bought by Truro based Kingfisher Resorts in 2020 with the ambition to transform the hotel into a luxury destination and boutique resort.

The existing building has undergone a full internal refurbishment and the installation of modern balconies.

In its application for the hotel on Maenporth Road says the proposal is a necessary step to secure the legacy of Hotel Meudon.

An example of one of the proposed units. Image Dyer Architects/Cornwall planning

"The hotel operation is a local business and employer, and a key contributor to the local economy and tourism industry.

"The hotel business is solely responsible for the upkeep of the grounds, and this is a symbiotic relationship with the role and function of the hotel, both aesthetically and commercially. In essence, without the hotel the quality of the valley garden would not be maintained."

The hotel recently reopened in May 2021 following the easing of Government public health restrictions. But it says with only 29 lettable rooms, it is too small to support the business and upkeep of the property and valley garden in the medium to long term.

It is claimed some of the units will be visible from the sea shore. Image Hotel Meudon

"The proposal will deliver economic and employment benefits and it is anticipated will result in a further 31 full-time equivalent job and career opportunities.

"A luxury brand also brings prestige which requires more staff per unit than otherwise, and requires greater training for staff and associated qualifications.

"The hotel will be a destination for guests through the year rather than be subject to significant seasonal variation. This in turn provides career opportunities across a range of sectors rather than temporary jobs."

READ NEXT:

Park lodge plans lodged more than one year after being revealed by Packet

But the application has raised concerns with Natural England saying that any new housing development in this area is ‘likely to have a significant effect’ due to the risk of increased recreational pressure caused by that development and it advises that specific measures should be put in place to avoid this before planning permission is granted.

A outline of where the ten units will go. Image Dyer Architects/Cornwall planning

Jennifer Tregenza was typical of among 39 members of the public who have commented on the application

She has objected and said the proposed development would completely change the area around the hotel.

"From the beach - open for everyone's use, to the already congested road leading to Mawnan or Maenporth.

"If allowed, this will lead to further development and exploitation of our beautiful landscape. All for the benefit of a few and to the detriment of the local community.

"Developments, in particular for housing, as proposed in this application make a mockery of the AONB status for the area."

Peter Stokes said he spoke on behalf 13 residents living in Trelawney Close, a private road that adjoins the Hotel Meudon to the north. He wrote that the proposed development was excessive.

"It expands from a hotel with 30 double bedrooms by the addition of 10 self-contained luxury houses which contain 29 double bedrooms, the houses also contain on-suite bathrooms, associated cooking, dining, and lounge facilities.

"The planned tree clearance may well make some of the units visible from the sea, the coastal path Rosemullion Head and Maenporth Road."

He said some of the units will be visible from the Bream Beach, the sea and the coastal path.

The application will be considered by Cornwall Council's planning committee at a future date.