St Ives Flats Development Sparks Outrage Over Blocked Sea View
In the picturesque town of St Ives, Cornwall, a new flats development is set to block a sea view that has captivated literary enthusiasts for generations. The view, which inspired Virginia Woolf’s iconic novel To the Lighthouse, is now at the centre of a heated debate between developers and cultural advocates.
The Iconic View and Its Historical Significance
The sea view from Talland House, a Grade-II listed building, stretches across St Ives Bay to Godrevy lighthouse. Virginia Woolf and her family spent annual summer holidays at Talland House between 1882 and 1894, and the view played a pivotal role in her literary works. Not only To the Lighthouse, but also Jacob’s Room and The Waves draw inspiration from this serene landscape.
A Lasting Legacy
Woolf’s connection to Talland House was profound. She even named her first Sussex home “Little Talland House,” underscoring the significance of the place in her life and work. Emeritus Professor Maggie Humm, vice chair of the Virginia Woolf Society of Great Britain, emphasises that the view is “absolutely crucial” to Woolf and her admirers who travel from around the world to experience it.
The Development and the Controversy
In 2009, permission was granted for a five-storey building of 12 apartments to be constructed in front of Talland House. Work on the development began last week, despite ongoing discussions about amendments to the original plan. The move has drawn sharp criticism from literary advocates and local residents.
Local Opposition
Local author Patrick Gale has labelled the development a “preposterous piece of cultural vandalism.” He argues that while the physical view may still exist, the association between the house and the landscape is what truly matters. “St Ives should always be associated with Virginia Woolf,” Gale stated. “This view is really important and it needs preserving.”
Developer’s Perspective
Windingbrook Developments, the company behind the project, maintains that the revised proposal is in line with the original plan. Managing director Richard Gartside asserts that the scale of the building remains “broadly the same” and that the updated proposals account for changes in building standards and environmental requirements since the initial permission was granted.
Gartside also highlighted that the existing planning permission is still valid, as it was awarded over a decade ago. He noted that neighbouring sites have undergone development since then, and the updated proposals reflect these changes.
The Value of the View
Pete Eddy, the owner of Talland House, expressed his concerns about the development. “These developers, they’ve invested their money and rightly so, they need to get return from their investment,” Eddy said. “Yes, we certainly need more properties, but we need them out of town, we need them for affordable homes for people to live in, local people.”
Eddy further added, “The value to this view is the history behind it: it’s Virginia Woolf, it’s St Ives, it’s Cornwall, it’s literature; it’s everything to do with that book.”
Public and Council Response
The proposal is set to be discussed at a planning meeting at St Ives Town Council. Cornwall Council, while unable to comment on the application before a decision is made, is expected to deliver its verdict by Friday, 6 February. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of St Ives’ cultural and historical landscape.
A Delicate Balance
The situation in St Ives highlights the delicate balance between development and heritage preservation. While the need for housing and modern amenities is undeniable, the town’s rich literary and historical heritage must also be respected. The debate underscores the importance of thoughtful planning that considers both the present and the future.
Conclusion
As the planning decision looms, the future of the iconic sea view remains uncertain. For now, the legacy of Virginia Woolf and the timeless beauty of St Ives Bay are at the heart of a debate that resonates far beyond the town’s borders. The outcome will be closely watched by literary enthusiasts, conservationists, and residents alike.
