Sir David Attenborough caught up in row over Cornwall retirement flats
Objections raised over seafront development proposal in Penzance
Sir David Attenborough has unwittingly become involved in a dispute over a planned retirement development in Penzance, Cornwall.
Churchill Living intends to build 56 flats and six cottages on the site of a former Lidl store in the Wherrytown area.
The proposed development has seen 88 objections on Cornwall Council’s planning portal, with critics warning it places vulnerable residents in a High Risk Flood Zone 3 area, deemed inappropriate by the Environment Agency.
Sir David was inadvertently linked to the plan after appearing in a Churchill Living marketing leaflet last month, leading Julian Sincock, a representative of opposing Penzance residents, to contact the broadcaster’s team.
Mr Sincock believes Sir David’s appearance in the literature could be wrongly seen as an endorsement, noting: "The juxtaposition of his image with phrases such as ‘reassurance for your family’ risks creating a misleading impression of environmental credibility."
Sir David’s representative thanked Mr Sincock for his letter, clarifying that the broadcaster would not permit his words to be used in promotion of the development.
Churchill Living explained: "Sir David Attenborough was featured in a newsletter marking his centenary. The article made no reference to Penzance or any Churchill development."
A public meeting is provisionally scheduled at Penlee Bowling Club, Bolitho Gardens, Penzance on 29th April at 5pm for locals to discuss the proposal.