The Central Sub-Area Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Monday, 09 February 2026, to discuss planning applications and review appeals. The committee granted planning permission for a holiday lodge development at Sun Haven Holiday Park Ltd and noted the appeals report.

Sun Haven Holiday Park Ltd - Land South West of Jacaranda, Retorrick Mill, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4BQ

The committee granted planning permission for the use of land for the stationing of 28 holiday lodges with associated landscaping and infrastructure at Sun Haven Holiday Park Ltd. This decision was made after considerable debate, with Councillor O'Connor, the Electoral Division Member, initially supporting the proposal but changing his opinion due to concerns raised by the Parish Council and recent flooding issues in the parish. He questioned whether the economic benefits presented were sufficient to outweigh the harm to the designated landscape and expressed concerns about drainage and flood risk, particularly in light of recent flooding events.

Officers responded to these concerns, confirming that the Council's Drainage Officer was satisfied with the proposal, subject to further technical details being approved prior to construction. They also addressed concerns about the visibility of the lodges, explaining how the landscaping scheme would frame the units. While acknowledging the vulnerability of the valley base to flooding, officers reiterated that the revised Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy were acceptable for conditional support. Regarding the landscape impact, officers noted that while the Landscape Officer had initially recommended omitting ten units, the applicant had revised the scheme to accommodate eight smaller units further back from the northern boundary, which officers deemed acceptable.

During the debate, members expressed concerns about surface water and foul water drainage, the visual impact of the lodges on the Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV), and whether the proposed economic and social benefits outweighed the harm to the character of the area. Some suggested that a reduction in density or more upmarket units could minimise the impact, and that drainage measures should be in place before approval.

Ultimately, the committee was advised by the Principal Lawyer and Development Management Group Leader that they should consider the potential for an appeal if the decision was contrary to officer advice and not evidence-based. Balancing the issues and constraints with the proposed mitigation and enhancements, officers recommended approval, concluding that the proposal would support economic growth and productivity while respecting the character of the countryside. The application was approved by a vote of 7 in favour, 2 against, and 1 abstention.

Item for Information - Appeals Report

The committee noted the information presented in the Appeals Report, which detailed appeals lodged and decided between 15 December 2025 and 23 January 2026. This report listed various planning applications that had been appealed, including those related to residential developments, barn conversions, and changes of use, along with their outcomes.