Crescent Head locals are concerned that the new surf hotel will transform the small town into the next Byron Bay

Locals in a small surf town promise to fight a wave of developers bent on turning their hidden paradise into the next trendy Byron Bay.

A growing number of tourists flock to the town of Crescent Head on the north NSW coast each summer to enjoy the famous surf and crystal clear waters.

However, locals said the boom in visitors has led to people camping in illegal locations, creating trash and putting too much strain on the small town’s resources.

The prospect of a brand new “boutique” hotel popping up in the middle of the city makes many nervous.

Crescent Head locals (above) are concerned that a surge in tourists and new property developments will transform their small town into the next Byron Bay

Locals said an increase in summer tourists over the years has led to people camping in illegal locations, discarding trash and straining the small town’s resources (pictured, Crescent Head’s annual Santa Surf).

Fashion designer and international hotelier George Gorrow, who founded the Ksubi brand, said he and his German model wife Cisco Tschurtschenthaler will be working to build a 1970s-inspired surf club hotel that reflects the Crescent Head community.

The hotel, set to open later this year, promises to evoke classic Australian coastal culture with a specialist local surfboard gallery, music and restaurant.

“I love surfing. My wife does too, and Crescent Head is one of the most iconic surf breaks on the North Shore, so we’re trying to keep up with that,” Mr Garrow told ABC.

“Crescent Head still feels like the place you used to visit as a kid, it still feels so pure.”

Many Crescent Head residents said the hotel will be a great addition to the small town and will help support local businesses during the off-season.

Fashion designer and international hotelier George Gorrow said he and his German model wife Cisco Tschurtschenthaler (above) will build a new “boutique hotel” in Crescent Head

Locals are divided over whether development will allow the city to survive or destroy its unique identity (pictured, local commentators).

Among them is Robyn Harvey, 72, a former Australian longboard surfer and proud Crescent Head local.

“We need tourism for businesses to survive and get through our winter, that’ll just spice it up a bit,” she said.

“We all need to learn to share and get along with each generation.”

But not all locals are convinced that the couple, who have lived and run a successful hotel in Bali for the past decade, are the right choice for the city.

Kempsey Shire Councilor and resident Alexandra Wyatt said a balance had to be struck.

“I think Crescent Head is very divided,” Cr Wyatt told ABC.

“I would also like some social justice so we don’t just kick out everyone who can’t afford to be there.

“We can’t love these places to death.”

Several disappointed residents expressed themselves on Facebook.

“It’s not what the locals want, it’s really sad that this is happening and it sounds like the locals are only now finding out. So much for community counseling,” one person wrote.

Some residents said increased tourism would help long-term businesses survive off peak seasons, while others said new businesses would pressure locals (Image, Crescent Head).

“The reason I and many others love Crescent Head so much is because it’s not high end. If people want glitzy high-end they should go to Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay or the Gold Coast which arguably has been ruined,” said another.

A third wrote: “Call it a sleepy town and act like we should be happy when these people come and ‘shake it up.’ How many tickets do these people have with them? Keep your city ideas and comments and leave our “sleepy town” to those who love it just the way it is!”

About a quarter of Crescent Head residents have joined an online group dedicated to monitoring the progress of new developments in the town.

Its 521 members are passionate about protecting their community’s identity, but are at odds over what that identity will look like in the future.

A 521-strong group of concerned locals regularly holds town meetings, attends council meetings and offers their thoughts on future development plans (pictured, Crescent Head)

The group regularly holds community meetings, participates in council meetings and comments on future development plans.

Mr. Gorrow’s surf-inspired hotel is just one of the many plans locals are upset about, as a separate three-story hotel, bars and cafes are set to open in the area, and many are frustrated that the new facilities are owned by long-established companies will take away.

A local business owner wrote on the page: “Shouldn’t the council look to Byron Bay as a template for what not to do?”

“Unfortunately, the council doesn’t work for the people who pay the interest.

“There is no infrastructure to support our community with the proposed growth, shame on them.”