Planning application PA24/00042 REFUSED 24.03.25
Appeal anticipated
Planning application PA24/00042 REFUSED 24.03.25 Appeal anticipated
P E N D O W E R
One of the most beautiful and highly protected beaches in Britain - loved by local people and visitors from all over the world - has been facing the threat of over development for the last 15 years.
This fragile ecology of rare plants, animals and marine life, protected by local, national and European laws, faces existential threats.
Shore dock (Rumex rupestris)
Grey seal
Cornish chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)
What makes Pendower unique?
Below you’ll find a collection of short articles by professionals and amateurs who have a particular insight into the unique landscape, ecology and history of Pendower. A history which goes back 400 million years!
These descriptions come from the many organisations and individuals who have lent their support to the Friends of Pendower over these last years. Their contribution has been invaluable. Their wide-ranging expertise has underwritten our understanding and knowledge and continues to inspire our campaign.
The threat facing Pendower
The Pink Hotel
The small pink-washed hotel at the South Western edge of Pendower used to be a popular destination for visitors. Many will remember its old-fashioned charm.
View the original hotel brochure here.
Following its sale nearly 20 years ago, the original building has been neglected. It is now increasingly derelict.
Developers have wanted to build a major holiday apartment complex on the site, coming up with many different proposals. All of these have fundamentally contravened planning policy at every level. These policies are specifically designed to protect fragile landscapes such as Pendower.
This is why the recent application, PA24/00042, was categorically refused.
The refusal by the planning authority
This is what Cornwall Council said:
“On this occasion, the issues are so fundamental that it is not possible to negotiate a satisfactory way forward due to the harm that has been clearly identified within the reasons for refusal.”
To read the Planning Officer’s full statement, with his four principal reasons and a complete list of all policies, click here.
What happens now?
We understand that the developers intend to appeal the refusal. This appeal will need to be lodged by 24th September 2025 at the latest.
The Friends of Pendower Beach is ready to make representations as part of the appeal process.
Once we are clear of the details, we will be launching an appeal for funds to all our 500 members and to all members of the public who love Pendower.
Friends of Pendower
We are a charitable organisation established nearly 15 years ago. Our members come from all over the UK, but we are predominantly local people who love Pendower and want to protect and preserve the beach and its valley.
Our purpose is: “to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of Pendower Beach and its environs designated as part of the Cornwall National Landscape.”
Will you join us?
Our future plans
We will continue our work to promote an understanding and appreciation of Pendower, as one of the most outstanding examples of special landscape on Cornwall’s south coast.
All donations will help us continue our work and develop this website as a valuable resource.
It’s not for us to suggest what should happen to the Pink Hotel itself. However, nearly fifteen years of neglect has resulted in an unforeseen environmental benefit; the expansion of the unique habitat now flourishing behind the hotel site and up the Melinsey valley, providing a rare natural resource for all kinds of plant and animal life.
We are not opposed to sustainable development: projects of limited size and ambition which can demonstrate economic, social and environmental benefits. We continue to be opposed to developments which seek purely to monetise the countryside.
#lovependower
Support our opposition to over-development at Pendower…