The partnership will set the wheels in motion for the planning application which is expected to be put forward before the end of the year.

Marina Developments Limited is proposing to build a 200-berth marina, housing and hotel complex on the site of Penlee Quarry.

"A preferred partner has come forward and we're still working towards 200 houses," said Edward Iliffe, managing director of MDL.

"The housing will be expensive but it will have to be. It doesn't pay for itself."

Sixty-four affordable houses are anticipated to come out of the development.

However, there is still no indication as to whether these houses will be on or off site.

Penwith District Council could potentially accept payment from MDL for the affordable houses and use it to invest elsewhere.

A spokesman for Penwith Council said the practice - known as an off-site contribution - had been carried out at other sites.

"It is feasible but it is not our preferred option," he said. "Sustainable housing is where everybody can live there no matter how much money they have got."

Edward Iliffe said he wanted affordable housing on the Penlee site.

"At the end of the day Penwith will want to get as much money out of it as they can," he said.

"There are options and we'll work with whatever the planning system decides."

* According to MDL, consultancy fees for the development have cost around £5 million.

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN 

Comments (0)