Pressure for Falmouth Docks development
Dredging is needed if Falmouth’s masterplan is to come to fruition.
Liberal Democrat MEP for Cornwall Sir Graham Watson has called on common sense to prevail surrounding the delays to the Falmouth Docks regeneration project.
Following major delays over a number of years, major concerns have been raised over the potential damage to wildlife as well as the implementation of a European Union Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Watson however, has pointed out that, not only does a SAC come with exemptions on areas of economic importance, but the local habitat can be preserved at the same time.
“Of course work to mitigate any damage to the environment and the fisheries industry will be one of the top priorities. But we must work in the long term interests of the West Cornwall economy. Environmental concerns are always of a major concern and so they should be. We do not want to destroy our natural habitat, said Sir Graham.
“Yet in situations where we can not only preserve the environment but also give the local economy a major boost, then we must investigate and find a way. There is currently no evidence to suggest that dredging of these waters would cause any damage.
“The European Directive is clear. Development can occur in Special Areas of Conservation so long as it is in the public interest. Providing jobs and long term growth would certainly meet that. I have written to Natural England to clarify these issues and press for the solution that the local community is striving for.”
Falmouth town councillor and chairman of the Mayor’s regeneration group for Falmouth and Penryn, Oliver Cramp said: “Under the original plans, around £5m could be brought into the local economy each year, with 2,000 new jobs being created. Falmouth has an exemplary maritime heritage but is badly in need of modernisation. We must find a solution before the current Convergence spending round dries up and I am pleased Graham is bringing his vast European knowledge to the table.”
The chancellor’s Autumn Statement said a scientific trial to resolve the environmental issues had been agreed by FHC and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). “A decision on the developer's marine licence application will follow if the trial succeeds,” the chancellor said. “If this application is then successful, it is anticipated that development could proceed in early 2013.”
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