Latest Newquay cliff collapse causes 'almighty boom'

A cliff collapsing onto a beach in Cornwall caused an "almighty boom", according to a woman whose home is about 330ft (100m) from the scene.

The cliff fall happened at Whipsiderry beach near Newquay at about 12:00 GMT.

It is the second major fall in recent weeks at the site, which is below a proposed luxury flat development.

Developer Living Quarter Properties, which has permission to build seven homes on the cliffs, has been contacted for comment.

Earlier this year, preliminary work to reinforce the cliff ahead of the development was halted after campaigners raised safety concerns.

Leah Steward was in her front room when she heard the latest collapse on Tuesday.

She said: "I was sat in my living room and heard an almighty boom, and you could feel it in the house.

"I knew straight away it must have been a cliff fall and ran over there to take a look.

"I think this was the big bit coming down that we expected, but there will be more - it still looks very fragile."

Cornwall Council closed the steps to the beach after the last fall on 29 November and advised people to keep away.

Andrew Robey, from Save Whipsiderry Cliffs, said: "It was inevitable that there would be further rock collapses, but I am surprised by the quantity of rock and cliff that is now on the beach.

"I'm also saddened that every time this happens, this beautiful place has been changed forever.

"The best thing is that this happened when there was no-one down there because it could have been catastrophic."

He added that he expected further rock falls to happen and advised people to "stay well clear" of the cliff.

Planning consent for the development was previously been granted by Cornwall Council.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) granted a licence for cliff reinforcement work, while the Duchy of Cornwall - a private estate that funds both the charitable and private activities of the Duke of Cornwall, Prince William - granted access to the beach.

In March, the Duchy suspended access "in order for discussions between the developer and the relevant statutory authorities to take place and for those authorities to determine if and how the consented work can take place in a safe and compliant manner".

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