Revised plans for wooded valley Hotel Meudon at Mawnan Smith

However despite an alternative plan being refused after, what the hotel describes, as targeted local opposition last year, the Hotel Meudon at Mawnan Smith says it will be going ahead with an appeal against that refusal.

In the meantime it says the latest application has been refined in response to the concerns raised by some in the local community whilst striving to secure the future of the hotel and its horticultural heritage.

How another of the proposed residencies will look (Image: Hotel Meudon) (Image: Hotel Meudon)

Two previous applications have been refused by Cornwall Council (in September 2022 and November 2023) but the hotel hopes that the revised submission will address the majority of previous objections, whilst still delivering a range of greatly enhanced facilities and a raft of benefits for local residents. Simultaneously, the hotel has also lodged an appeal against the November 2023 refusal.

“We were surprised and dismayed by the local opposition to the last submission, which had planning officer support,” comments Nigel Chapman, Chairman of Kingfisher Resorts, Hotel Meudon’s parent company. “But we appreciate that the hotel is situated in a highly sensitive area of natural beauty. It’s therefore incredibly important that any development is well-managed and carefully considered.

“Having taken on board all of the comments, we are confident that the revised plans will enable Hotel Meudon to remain at the heart of the community as a viable business.

Proposed guest amenities and pool (Image: Hotel Meudon)

“With a horticultural legacy dating back to the early 1800s, we don't take our stewardship of the gardens lightly. However, without the proposed development it will be financially impossible for the hotel to continue to operate or maintain this peerless subtropical paradise.

“This is why we have also lodged the appeal. However, if we are able to get support for the scaled down plans this will negate the need to go ahead with the appeal.”

Modifications to the latest plans include a reduction in the number of accommodation units from ten to six, with the more contentious plots omitted to ensure no impact on the surrounding landscape views. The adjacent field has also been removed from the application.

Landscape proposals concept (Image: Hotel Meudon)

If the application is successful, benefits will include priority leisure membership for local residents to a new, year-round, outdoor heated 20m infinity edged swimming pool. A casual dining restaurant will be added to the current offering, and it is envisaged that a further thirty-plus jobs will be created.

The campaign group Save Meudon Valley were concerned that the last development proposal in an AONB would adversely affect the eco-system in the heavily wooded valley leading down to the sea, they even released a drone filmed campaign video outlining their objections