Gylly Beach Café on Gyllyngvase Beach closed off the steps

The owners of the Gylly Beach Café on Gyllyngvase Beach closed off the steps at the east end of the building this week for work to take place.

Healeys purchased Gylly Beach Café in August 2023 under the Cyderhouse Co Ltd Group, to continue running the enterprise under Cornish family ownership.

Access to the beach has been blocked (Image: Supplied)

In June permission for use of the outdoor terrace on the east end of the cafe for restaurant space by the removal of the shipping containers was granted and that is the work that is taking place and involves removal of the steps. 

 Joe Healey, of the Healey Cyder Family, says the steps will not re-open again as they are located on the café’s private, freehold property and are not part of Cornwall Council’s public land.

A computer generated image of the new terrace showing the steps removed (Image: Laurence Associates/Cornwall Council))

This has not gone down well with one local resident who raised the issue with the Packet saying they are part of the public use infrastructure of the beach.

He said: “Very simply, right of way for the public has been established down the steps and across the few metres to the beach in accordance with the law on right of way, which states that any strip of land such as a path or steps which the public has used for 20 years or more means that becomes a public right of way irrespective of who owns it.”

He said the steps have been used for around 50 years or more by hundreds of people every week to gain access to Gylly Beach and they are part of the public use infrastructure of the beach.

However, the café owner's say though it has long invited the public onto this space, including the terrace and café areas, there is no official public right of way through this area of land.

Work has started on the new restaurant terrace (Image: Supplied)

“The café has been grateful over the years to serve the community by offering a space for water sports and changing facilities on its freehold, but with the exciting addition of the new dining terrace, we need to restrict public access down these steps,” they said in a statement issued to the Packet.

“Locals will hopefully have seen the new changing facilities (funded solely by the café) located adjacent to the existing shower on the beach.

“For beach access, two nearby public entry points remain fully open to everyone - both the main slipway, which is accessible for those with disabilities, and another set of steps on Cliff Road, each less than 100m from the closed steps.

They said the upcoming terrace enhancements are being thoughtfully designed to create a comfortable and safe environment for our customers and staff.

“This project will bring an updated, vibrant space that maintains the warm, inclusive spirit of Gylly Beach while improving the experience for everyone.

“While change can be difficult, we want to emphasise that these adjustments are part of an exciting new project that will greatly enhance the area’s facilities, providing a beautiful, welcoming space for all to enjoy.

“We thank you for your understanding and support as we move forward with these improvements, and we’re looking forward to unveiling this revitalised area for all to enjoy soon."

Cornwall councillor for the area Laurie Magowan said he had been in contact with Gylly beach café, the planning officer and local residents regarding the ongoing works and closure of the steps onto the beach.

"Though I understand the concerns raised about the reduction in access to the beach, it has been confirmed that this particular route is not deemed to be a public right of way and is part of the freehold owned by the café," he said.

"It is appropriate for the steps to be closed to public access during construction and though access may not return on completion of the works, it is hoped that the renovation and investment in the site will add real value to the town’s’ most popular beach.

"The two nearby alternative routes onto the beach will remain in place and unaffected by the changes taking place at Gylly Beach Café."