Almost three hundred people took the opportunity to view proposals for the redevelopment of the Ponsmere Hotel, Perranporth on Thursday.

Byron Developments, part of the Regent Street Estates Group, unveiled their plans to create a five star self catering holiday apartment complex with supporting facilities.

Designed to act as a catalyst in the regeneration of Perranporth as year-round tourist destination the new development would be built in line with the expectations of modern holidaymakers, principally aimed at accommodating families.

The redevelopment plans propose the creation of a complex of 78 one to three bedroom self catering holiday apartments, a state of the art spa with swimming pool and changing areas, surfboard and wetsuit storage and a top quality restaurant with a more casual surfer's terrace area.

Robert Kidd, managing director of the Regent Street Estates Group, said: "Perranporth has one of the most magnificent beaches on the north Cornwall coast and in the summer month is a vibrant and bustling town. My ambition for the redevelopment of the Ponsmere Hotel site is to enable the town and it's businesses to thrive all year round by presenting a tourism offering that is in line with what modern visitors are looking for in a holiday destination.

"I was delighted to see such a large number of local residents taking an interest in our proposals. The design and development team were busy all day talking people through the proposals and answering questions. Our task over the couple of weeks will be to look closely at the feedback and finalise our plans ahead of submitting a planning application."

The existing Ponsmere Hotel building has been extended over a number of years resulting in a deep plan, primarily single aspect building, which dominates the local skyline. In depth structural investigations have yet to be undertaken but initial reports indicate the presence of deleterious construction materials which could limit the lifespan of the building.

Designed to reflect the style of a Cornish coastal village, the new apartments would be organised in terraces to blend with the skyline of the town. A landscaped entrance courtyard would bring a sense of place to the new development, whilst still offering glimpses of the sea view beyond. Parking for guests would be hidden from view beneath the complex in a 86 space car park.

The proposed scheme incorporates a number of eco-friendly technologies including grey water and heat recovery technology and the use of thermal store' heating and hot water through solar panels on the inner roof pitches. The external walls would provide a higher level of insulation than current government guidance on sustainable construction and holding tanks below ground would be used for storing rainwater and managing storm water run-off.

Apartments will be actively marketed to visitors for use throughout the year rather than being used exclusively by the apartment owners. The entire development will be closely and professionally managed as a holiday facility to maintain high standards.