Cornwall dry ski slope to be built near Truro

Under the plans there would be two slopes constructed on the Killiow Estate between Falmouth and Truro – one main slope and a nursery slope.

Planning permission had previously been granted for the plans in 2014 but the application was resubmitted after the consent expired.

The site lies to the south of Truro and close to the A39 and Playing Place.

Planning permission has been approved for two dry ski slopes, ski lifts, a facilities building, parking for 78 cars and three coaches.

The building would have a reception area, changing facilities, equipment hire, cafe, soft play area and shop.

In the application it is stated that the dry ski slope development would help to ensure the future of the golf club on the estate. However the club announced at the end of March that it was closing permanently.

The design for the two slopes

In a design and access statement by agents Laurence Associates it states: “The proposal forms part of an on-going strategy for the Killiow Estate to improve and enhance the facilities available and to safeguard the business in the medium to long term. The proposed development will assist in safeguarding 19 existing jobs, whilst creating 17 new jobs at the site.”

It later adds: “The provision of a dry ski slope and associated facilities in this location has the potential to provide economic benefits not only for the Killiow Estate but also for the wider area. This is in terms of the draw of tourists and visitors from the county and further afield who may then stay in accommodation in the County and use other existing facilities and attractions.”

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There are currently no dedicated dry ski slopes in Cornwall with the nearest being in Plymouth, although there is an indoor ski teaching facility at Radnor Golf and Leisure in Redruth. Other ski slope plans have previously been proposed for sites in Newquay and Par but neither came to fruition.

The design and access statement for this latest application said: “It has been demonstrated that the proposal would bring significant benefits to include, the safeguarding of the existing golf club business of Killiow as well as creating 17 new jobs.

"Not only would this proposal appeal to visitors to the area, it also presents the opportunity for those in Cornwall to have an outdoor sport provision which is currently not available in this area of the country.

The building planned as part of the complex

“Having thoroughly researched the current golf industry and its forecasted future trend, the management of The Killiow Estate are wholly convinced that early diversification is an essential strategy to ensure the survival of the estate as a single entity.”

In recommending approval the planning officer states in their report: “The proposed development would provide economic benefits by helping to secure existing and create new jobs through the creation of a new visitor attraction that would be unique to Cornwall. These benefits from the provision of the new ski slope facility are demonstrable.

"Whilst it is recognised the scheme would give rise to some adverse visual impacts and limited harm to the historic environment of the estate, these impacts have been evaluated fully and weigh against the project but are not judged to be so detrimental to render the scheme unacceptable. It is therefore recommended that the planning application be approved subject to the proposed mitigation and conditions.”