Carlyon Bay development given the go ahead

Planning permission was originally granted in 1991

Cornwall councillors have voted unanimously in favour of a major development at Carlyon Bay in St Austell.

Developers Commercial Estates Group want to build a complext that would include 500 apartments.

The decision has been greeted with dismay by members of protest group Carlyon Bay Watch who have campaigned against the plans.

Peter Price from the group said he was "dismayed" at the outcome.

"The development is far too big and beaches should not be built on in this way," he said.

Mr Price added that people came to Cornwall for the beaches and the rugged coastline but there was a danger its beaches would turn into a "number of European ones" with buildings and retail outlets in close proximity.

Commercial Estates Group propose to demolish the existing buildings and construct a sea defence scheme in order to stabilise the cliffs in the Bay.

The proposed £250m development is one of the largest private investments in Cornwall.

Jon Kenny from the company said: "Our proposals are to create a world-class holiday destination on the south coast of Cornwall.

"This is a facility that is open to the public. We want a year-round place that local people will use."

Planning permission was first granted in 1991 for a complex near St Austell and sea defences were originally built to protect the apartments and construction workers.

But when developers applied to upgrade the defences, opponents claimed they were too big, unsafe, and could damage the environment.

A subsequent public inquiry held in 2006 led to a rejection of the plans.

Following Cornwall Council's recommendation, the Secretary of State will now consider the Carlyon Bay application.