£3m eco­development will promote Widemouth Bay tourism

Exeter-based property developer, Grenadier Estates, has secured planning permission to develop an innovative new scheme of eco­ cottages at Widemouth Bay in north Cornwall.

Built on the site of a redundant holiday complex in Bude (Atlantic View Bungalows), the £3m development will feature six three­bedroom beach holiday cottages. The unique scheme was developed with professional consultation from Bell Cornwell Chartered Town Planners, and designed by award­winning Cornwall­ based architects, The Bazeley Partnership.

Mr Iestyn John, Associate at Bell Cornwell, stated: “Because of the beach­side location and its proximity to both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the protected Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the development required a highly sensitive design approach that would enhance the natural character of the area.

“The eco concept will be in harmony with these environmental considerations, to transform the site and create a unique enhancement in this area. We anticipate it will attract tourists to Widemouth Bay that both understand and are sympathetic to these environmental issues. It will also encourage other developers and builders to consider sustainable green building options.”

Martin Back, Director at The Bazeley Partnership explained: “We are extremely excited by this new project as it engages a superb blend of contemporary design with eco­friendly and sustainable technologies that will allow the development to integrate visually and responsibly into the local landscape.”

The new development will be located further back from the beach front than the existing buildings and will be partly cut into the natural elevation of the site. It will feature natural materials in the form of stone and timber as well as incorporating a live green roof that will be home to various indigenous species. The existing external boundary walls, garages and paved areas will be removed to enhance its rural character.

Mr John commented: “This development will provide both environmental and economic benefits to the area. As well as making a very positive contribution to the character of the north Cornwall coast, the development promises to bolster the local economy by improving the range and quality of the area’s tourism offer.”

Grenadier Estates has confirmed that development work will commence in the Spring.