Thursday 22 May 2014

Meeting - May 2014

New Member
Gary Tranter was welcomed to the Forum representing the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

Winter Storm damage
The damage to the front around Castle beach had been repaired. Planning permission for replacement buildings had been quick but the involvement of the insurance companies meant that the rebuilding process was being done in a methodical and slow way.

Article 4 Direction and Neighbourhood Plan
Cornwall Council had agreed to provide help with the development of a Neighbourhood Plan which was a necessary precursor to an Article 4 Direction. Despite this, things are moving slowly.

There was additional stimulus to the development of the plan as different levels of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) applied, depending on the existence of such a Plan.

Falmouth Bay Nature Conservation
A recent consultation had been carried out on a proposal to protect the bay as an over-wintering for three species of sea-bird. Views varied as to whether this was necessary, desirable or likely to be a constraint on 'normal' activities. The 'consultation' had been of a poor quality and was solely related to the 'science', not to the desirability. Both the Harbour Commissioners and Town Council had written in to object to elements of the proposal which were felt to be too restrictive.

Blue Flag Beaches
There had been considerable disquiet at Cornwall Council's unilateral decision to save money by not re-applying for Blue Flag designation for Gyllyngvase beach. Local organisations and individuals had offered funds to cover the shortfall but it was all too late. Sarah Newton MP had enquired of the organisers as to whether an exception could be made but apparently not.

Although CC had apologised verbally, they had not yet done so publicly. It had transpired that the issue was as much about human resource to complete the entry form as the cost of the application.

It had now been agreed that the beach management group would be revived and plans would be put in place to make sure that standards were of the highest level to support an application in 2015.

Cycling Proposals for Falmouth and Penryn
Cornwall Council had issued a series of planning applications to put in place some improvements to cycling provision around the two towns. Unfortunately these had been issued piecemeal, with different closure dates and so it was difficult to see or understand the big strategy. There was said to be pressure on getting the money spent before March 2015.

Meetings had been held and the Fal Cycling had submitted comments on behalf of the Town Council. They believed strongly that the priorities should be:
  • Improvements to the Penryn-Falmouth link 
  • The development of a series of linked arterial routes
  • Separating cyclists and motorists wherever possible 
Cornwall Council/Cormac had been asked for a copy of the final proposals before any work went ahead.

A presentation on the development plans for Union Corner, including the cycling provision in this area, were due to be held on Thursday 22 May.

Dredging and Falmouth Docks Masterplan
The consultants' report on the trial dredge had been published. The announcement had been hijacked by the anti-lobby who had suggested that it showed that dredging was not viable, contrary to the findings of the report. The Harbour Commissioners had continued to hold meetings with the main Agencies involved and were hopeful that things would pick up pace, especially as there was considerable political support.

A variety of suggestions were explored including a review of the extent of maerle along the coast and the involvement of experts from the University of Exeter's Environment and Sustainability Institute at the Penryn Campus. Cornwall Council has asked Councillors Atherton and Evans to act as champions for the scheme.

Environmental Enhancements
There were several voluntary initiatives to clean up and clear up areas of the town. The Friends of Falmouth Bay were working on renewing the benches around the beaches and were hoping to move on to deal with the shelters in due course. There had been some problems in working with Cormac. Cornwall Council now had a policy of not replacing benches unless they were donated. The were of a conventional wooden, rather than low-maintenance, design.

The BID team was also looking at getting volunteers engaged with local activities where the Town Council is the landlord.

Money was still available from the Section 106 pot. The introduction of the Community Interest Levy (CIL) had been delayed and so money could still be spent locally provided it met the terms of individual agreements. The Sainsbury money had been ear-marked for the board walk but if this did not happen then it could be spent on other town enhancement schemes.

It was also noted that:
  • There was no news on the repair of Church Street car park which was still coned-off. The view was that there was insufficient money to do any capital works here
  • Cormac were doing some repairs to Pendennis point car park. The proposals to make this a charging car park appeared to be on hold
  • The banner on the Watersports Centre which had been vandalised was not going to be replaced
Town Management update
The big issue currently was the loss of the markets on the Moor. The Town Manager was working with the traders on a better quality solution.

Other items
  • The Tall Ships 2014 event planning appeared to be going well
  • The Town Council is looking to take over both the revenue and capital side of the CCTV activity in the town
  • The orange boom currently off Trefusis was part of an oil-spill response exercise and conference funded by the EU. The Commissioners are required to hold a major exercise every three years and a table top exercise every year
  • Cornwall Council is being supportive of the Fal Car Club in developing a car-sharing scheme
Attending the meeting which was held on the 21st were:
Andy Coote (chairman) - Falmouth Business Club
Steve Gray - Vice Chairman
Caroline Robinson - Federation of Small Businesses
David Yelland - Falmouth Bay Residents Association
Gary Tranter - Falmouth Harbour Commissioners
Jeremy Edwards - Chamber of Commerce
Ruth Grimmer - University of Exeter, Penryn Campus
Jonathan Griffin - National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Mark Williams - Falmouth Town Council
Mike Jenks - Civic Society
Peter Coles - Falmouth Watersports Centre
Sally Stiles - Age Concern Befrienders
Shaun Davie - Falmouth Hotels Association