Farmers get go-ahead on ski plans

Cornwall's first artificial ski slope is to be built near Newquay despite being rejected by planning officials.

The development was approved by the government following an appeal.

It overturns Carrick District Council's refusal of planning permission after local people said the 12-acre (4.8 hectare) site would be out of place.

Two farmers want to build a ski slope, half pipe, jump section and a clubhouse on Trevarthian Farm at Kestle Mill at a cost of about £3m.

'Completely different'

Mark Bucknell, of Cornwall Ski and Snowboard Centre, said the attraction could be ready by next year.

"We have always wanted to diversify the farm in a positive fashion and this is one way of doing it.

"It is something completely different, but it takes into account the surfing at Newquay and brings it all together."

He estimates the facilities could be used by 60,000 people a year.

Ken Yeo, Carrick councillor for the area and a member of the planning committee, said: "Knowing Kestle Mill and the disruption that can be caused by this number of vehicles coming into the site - my personal view is that this is not the right location for this development."