Redevelopment of former MoD site set for green light

Plans for the residential redevelopment of a large former Ministry of Defence (MoD) training site on the Cornish coast have been recommended for conditional approval.Applicant Comparo is seeking permission to demolish and clear the existing MoD buildings at the Penhale Camp site in Holywell Bay, Newquay.The work would pave the way for the development of 134 residential dwellings, including 20 affordable homes; about 20,000 sq ft of new commercial floor space and 12.5 acres of recreational open space.Despite the potential harmful impacts of the scheme on the protected Penhale Dunes, the coastal path and traffic issues, planning officers have recommended that the proposal is conditionally approved.The officers consider that the benefits of the scheme, once various amendments are incorporated, outweigh any harm caused.That approval would be subject to financial contributions totalling more than £2.2m towards off-site provision of affordable housing, education, a sports pitch facility, highway and footway improvements. A system to monitor and mitigate the potential impacts on the Penhale Dunes also has to be put in place.The scheme has been in the works for about five years with Comparo’s team said to have sought to establish good design, layout and stewardship.