TOWN councillors have expressed their concern surrounding the submission of plans for more than 100 luxury holiday cottages near Bude.  

Seasons Holiday Plc has applied to establish up to 140 luxury holiday lodges on land at Bude Coastal Resort.  

The application explains: “The development is set across seven landscaped parcels of land and the proposals will incorporate bases for siting the accommodation, decking, new access roads, pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, landscaping and water features”.  

The proposed site measures 17.3 hectares and adjoins the existing estate which includes 32 luxury self-catering accommodation units, in addition to 16 recent lodges with a further 11 due by the end of the year, and a club house with restaurant and spa.  

The application has been submitted in hybrid form, with three of the land parcels and the site access delivered in full, accounting for up to 58 units, and the remaining four land parcels and associated public open space delivered in outline - up to a further 82 units.  

Now, members of Bude-Stratton Town Council’s planning committee have voiced their thoughts on the application.  

Cllr Tom O’Sullivan, chair of the planning committee said: "Bude-Stratton Town Council consistently supports development that is both appropriate and sustainable, recognising the importance of tourism to our local economy. However, the Planning Committee believes this proposal is excessive for its location and poses a risk to existing holiday businesses.  

“We have specific concerns about potential drainage issues that could arise from this development. Additionally, there is a broader concern about the negative impact this development might have on the Golf Course, a key year-round recreational asset for our community. 

“Furthermore, the Planning Committee is committed to preserving the distinct boundaries between Bude-Stratton and the settlements of Flexbury and Poughill. The proposed development threatens to fill one of the largest gaps between Bude and Flexbury, which is inconsistent with the principles outlined in the Bude-Stratton Neighbourhood Development Plan. We strongly oppose any such coalescence." 

Some concerns have also been raised about how this will affect green spaces within the area.  

Cllr Viki Herbert-Coulson, vice chair of the planning committee, added: "I strongly believe that the vital green space between Bude, Stratton, and Poughill must be protected. The Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) specifically reflects our community's commitment to preserving this area, which is essential for the local environment. 

“Our community, represented by Bude-Stratton Town Council's planning committee, has clearly voiced opposition to any development that would be unsustainable and detrimental to Bude's future. This was underscored by the significant public response—89 comments on Cornwall Council's Planning Portal as of 29th August 2024, along with many additional comments on social media. Many residents also attended the planning meeting to express their concerns in person. 

“These concerns will be formally submitted to Cornwall Council as part of our objection to this development." 

Following their concerns, the committee has submitted a formal objection to Cornwall Council.