MORE than 1,000 people have supported an Internet campaign opposing plans which they say could ruin a coastal beauty spot.

Campaigners say Booby's Bay near Padstow could become "a dumping ground for chemicals" if a controversial planning application to install a surface water outfall pipe with trenching works overlooking the North Cornwall surfing haven gets the go-ahead.

The applicant, Simon Nixon, says the works are needed to prevent the risk of flooding to a three-storey property at Little Polgarron, which was granted planning permission last year.

The surface water outfall pipe would run from the property to cliffs overlooking the beach, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, prompting concerns from some residents and beach users that the beach and waters would become polluted by the pipe's contents.

Benjie Eldridge, a graphic designer and keen surfer, said more than 300 complaints had been registered with Cornwall Council over the planning application. More than 1,100 people have also joined the Booby's Bay drainage application group on social networking site Facebook, set up by Benjie, brother John, and friend Nathan Bennetts.

Mr Eldridge said: "We set up the group to try and canvass local opinion. Very little was known about the planning application, so we wanted to bring people together to talk about it.

"There is a huge strength of feeling behind this. There are grave concerns about what the pipe will be spewing out on to the cliffs, not just because it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but because it is so popular.

"I have lived in this area for a long time, so the issue is particularly sensitive to me, and the fact so many people have joined the group shows the strength of feeling."

He added: "This isn't a personal thing with Mr Nixon. To be honest, I think people would have objections to any pipe dripping on to the beach – even if it was only tap water. But I can see there being a major protest if this plan gets the go-ahead."

A statement on the Padstow-based Noon Projects website, on behalf of Mr Nixon, said consultation had taken place with agencies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Marine and Fisheries Agency over the proposed pipe before submitting a planning application.

The statement added: "This proposed outfall is to redirect the naturally occurring ground water only and to balance the seasonal variations that occur to the levels of this water within the development area of the site.

"All water discharged from the property, including toilets, showers, sinks and the natural water swimming pool will run through our on-site treatment plant before finally passing through an ultraviolet treatment chamber. From here the water is allowed to discharge into the ground through a designed soakaway.

"Every effort has been sought to minimise the environmental impact of the property, both in its construction methods and during its lifespan."

A decision on the plan is expected later this year.