Seaside hotel plans dramatic new look

One of the oldest coastal hotels in Cornwall has submitted plans to expand which will give its clifftop location a dramatic new look. Hotel Polurrian in Mullion is proposing to build an extension to provide 15 new suites, extended function room space, and new well-being and spa facilities.

The plans, which have been lodged with Cornwall Council, include a heated swimming pool with a high-quality retractable glass roof to accommodate year-round use. All works are planned to follow carefully considered designs to remain in keeping with the hotel's existing Edwardian architecture.

Plans showing how the proposed Hotel Polurrian could look. (Image: supplied)

Andrew Long, owner of the hotel on the Lizard peninsula, said: "We want to build on Hotel Polurrian's legacy as an asset to Mullion for more than a century, and make sure it continues to serve its community for many more decades. We understand that the hotel has a rich history and architectural features which are cherished by many in our local community. It was important for us to strike the right balance by improving our overall high-quality offering while staying true to the building's heritage."

If approved, the hotel expects the proposed works to generate up to 60 new jobs for the local area in all-year-round full-time equivalent positions.

Hotel Polurrian is proposing to refurbish its existing Leisure Club buildings into four new self-catering holiday let apartments. Car parking spaces would be increased from an existing 52 spaces to 80 spaces, with 11 electric vehicle charging points installed on site.

The hotel also plans to create a new fitness and relaxation suite, treatment rooms and a new function room. All facilities, including the proposed 15m heated pool, would be open to the local community.

The site is located on the southern slope of Meres Valley which runs down to Polurrian Cove to the west, from where the clifftop extension will be visible. The site is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast. The site is also adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

How Hotel Polurrian would look from Poldhu Cove if its extention plans are approved. (Image: Supplied)

Originally built in 1890, the Polurrian was a fashionable railway hotel appealing to distinguished guests. In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi stayed there while sending the first-ever transatlantic radio messages from nearby Poldhu Cove.

In 1909, a fire devastated the original hotel, destroying everything but the terraces and steps near the tennis courts which are still visible. Soon afterwards a new hotel was built and the Polurrian became an officers' mess for nearby RAF Predannack during the Second World War. Hollywood stars Clark Gable and Gene Tierney stayed in 1953 while filming the romance adventure, Never Let Me Go.

The application has currently received just one public comment on Cornwall Council's planning portal, in support. Eion Lyons writes: "Until recently the hotel had become 'tired' and outdated although new management has been trying to make the best improvements possible with the existing structure and footprint. The works required to complete the project set out within the planning application will provide Mullion with a high-class holiday and leisure destination without local equal, and will firmly put the area on the hospitality map for visitors and the local community alike."

Another angle showing how the proposed Hotel Polurrian could look. (Image: Supplied)

There have been no consultee comments of any note yet.

The hotel says that sustainable design and promoting biodiversity are key elements of the overall scheme, with all works planned to take place on previously developed land and existing materials reused wherever possible. The hotel's proposed 'landscape masterplan' has been designed to work in harmony with the local environment and complement its existing garden, with Cornish hedges lining car parking areas and screen planting to minimise visual impact.

Hotel Polurrian has been engaging with the local community regarding its proposals, with a public exhibition held in February to showcase its plans, which was attended by members of Mullion Parish Council.