Falmouth project wins local support

The existing channel into Falmouth Docks has a minimum depth of 5.1m below chart datum, which is a significant constraint on the size of vessels that can use it. Whilst vessels of a greater draft can use the channel according to the height of tide available at the time of use, this allows a typical maximum vessel draft of 8m at neap tides and 9.5m on spring tides.

The minimum channel depth and breadth is slowly reducing due to siltation. There is a general trend towards increasing vessels size, therefore dredging is required to safeguard the existing port functions as well as developing businesses requiring use of the port by larger vessels.

An application for a license to dredge the Channel has been submitted jointly by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners and A & P Falmouth. Prior to the application being determined, it was necessary to undertake an Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Regulations as the area has been designated a Special Area of Conservation or SAC.

Large parts of the Fal and Helford were designated as a SAC under the UK Habitats Regulations. This imposes strict criteria in relation to developments and requires plans to be “appropriately assessed” to determine if they will result in an adverse affect on the integrity of the SAC.

More recently, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has also welcomed revised plans put forward by the Port of Falmouth Development Initiative (POFDI) that would not damage the algae.

The Port of Falmouth Development Initiative (POFDI) was formed in 2008 and is made up of several organisations including A&P Falmouth; Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company; Falmouth Harbour Commissioners; Cornwall Council; Cornwall Development Company; the South West of England Regional Development Agency; Falmouth Petroleum Ltd; and Pendennis Shipyard.

The POFDI has been developing proposals for the development of the port which will it says will safeguard and enhance the long term viability and contributions to the sustainable growth of the economy in Falmouth, Cornwall and the South West. To help guide the development of the Port, POFDI decided that a Masterplan was needed and commissioned a consultant team, led by Tibbalds Planning & Urban Design, to carry out the study.

The Masterplan will set out projects for the short term (that is, the next five years) as well as projects for the longer term, up to 2026, and aims to produce ambitious, viable and deliverable proposals for development of the Port and related initiatives to secure its role in serving the economy of Cornwall.

The brief for the masterplan identified a number of projects that should be considered, including maintaining the existing ship repair and bunkering areas and infrastructure, and supporting the continued operations of Pendennis Superyachts and other small occupiers in the eastern parts of the Docks; dredging to form a new navigation channel and deepwater berth; construction of a longer quay of some 430m by linking Queens Wharf and Northern Wharf and reconstructing North Wharf infrastructure; construction of a marina in the area bounded by Queens Wharf, Western Wharf and Duchy Wharf, with appropriate shoreside facilities; and reconfiguring parts of the Docks estate (particularly the western areas) to release space to support new economic activities.