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

Meeting - March 2014

Fal Cycling Campaign 
Tim Bunhill had recently set up the Fal Cycling Campaign with three broad objectives:

• To promote cycling in Falmouth and Penryn
• To speak up for people who want to cycle
• To persuade local government to do more

The Campaign had started because there is no single stakeholder and no clearing house for ideas and problem solving. Every mile cycled is a saving in public sector and environmental cost while every mile driven is a real cost. The group numbers about 250 people and includes people who would like to use a bike as well as those that do.

There are many reasons for not cycling ranging from safety to storage. Although there are some cycle lanes around the towns there are rather piecemeal and all disappear at junctions (a typical UK habit). A lack of road sweeping and potholes also made cycling dangerous.

There is more at www.falcc.org

The Connecting Cornwall Strategy had propose turning the two towns into cycling demonstration towns. The Forum and its friends had done a considerable amount of work on the ideas but there had been silence in return. Some revised proposals were expected at the end of March. The Forum would make common cause with the Campaign on a response to any proposals.

Winter storm damage
Cornwall Council seems keen to get engaged in helping to facilitate repair of storm damage and it was hoped that they would take a pragmatic view on the necessary planning permissions.

The Castle Beach Cafe had been the most hard-hit in Falmouth. Work is starting shortly and it could be back within three months but it would be helpful if Cornwall Council repaired the sea front itself on the same timescale.

It is understood that money is available to help people reduce the chance of flooding but no one had yet tracked down how to access this. The Federation of Small Businesses has a helpline which may be useful.

The Local Plan
The 'Core Strategy' for the county is going out to consultation very shortly. It will propose a target of 47,000 new houses in the planning period; anything lower would not be credible. The Local Development Framework had been relegated to a 'supporting document' within this Plan.

CC had recently agreed in principle that Falmouth could apply for an Article 4 direction limiting the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) within defined areas of the town. Despite reporting in some newspapers, this proposal was not anti-student, but was aimed at achieving a sustainable and integrated mix of communities in the town. There would also be a cost to both Cornwall Council and Falmouth Town Council.

This would require a Neighbourhood Plan and extensive consultation before it could be introduced. The Plan would be based on the work of the Community Plan for Falmouth and Penryn which was still being held up as a good example to others. Every house in the Article 4 area would need to be consulted and there would be a referendum in perhaps a year's time.

Penryn is also looking at the possibility of a Neighbourhood Plan.

Falmouth Town Council budget: the greatly increased precept had been agreed by FTC and had not raised any major protests from rate-payers. It was believed that rate-payers understood the link between the increase and the provision of additional services.

There were still worries about future years. The Minister (Eric Pickles) had backed off capping the precept this year but was likely to do so in the future. If so, then this would have implications for a variety of pipeline projects. In particular, FTC would like to see all public services - One Stop Shop, Library and Town Management - delivered from the Moor area.

Falmouth Bay Nature Conservation
A consultation on restrictions within the bay to protect important bird breeding areas was under way (Black-throated divers, Great Northern divers and Slavonian Grebes). This is due to end in April.

FTC had discussed the issue and would be resisting anything that impacts the dredging of the port, the oyster fishing or the leisure use of the bay and the estuary. The Harbour Commissions had been in discussion with Natural England and have agreed a protocol on the way forward.

Natural England will be holding a public drop-in session at The Poly on Wednesday 19 March between 11am and 7pm. all were invited.

Shorts 
The recently launched bus service had been stopped as the figures simply did not add up; there were too many Seniors who paid a reduced rate. The shuttle bus is going to extend its route to try and provide a service although there were potential problems with some buses being too full at peak periods.

The town would be painted yellow on Thursday 13th as part of the Spring Festival.

A successful BID AGM had been held with plaudits for the team on the successful re-ballot. The outline plans for the coming period had been outlined.

Falmouth University had had agreement from RIBA that they could run an architectural course although RIBA was a little concerned at the distance from the proposed site in the High Street to the main campus at Penryn or Wood Lane.

Sainsbury's: the expansion plans are believed to be going ahead but were about two years off. Delays with the S106 Agreement and the early arrival of the Penzance store had put it back in their programme.

Tall Ships 2014: 41 ships had now booked in which is more than in the past. The ships would be moored on County and Duchy wharves which would be more accessible for the public, would be easier to use and would provide more opportunities for associated activities.

Pendennis Cup: this would take place on 26 - 28 May, complete with Red Arrows display.

Fal Energy Partnership would be holding their AGM at Penryn Town Hall at 19:00 on 24 April. The guests speaker would talk about the planning process: issues and opportunities.

Tres Hombres: an unusual wind-powered brigantine cargo ship would be in the Docks from 15 to 21 April. Several events would be happening at the Watersports Centre on the 16th, run by Fairtrade Falmouth and celebrating ethical and environmental trade and transport.  

Cornwall infrastructure: the FSB was doing a study on the connectedness of Cornwall wide infrastructure. This would include use of superfast broadband by businesses, availability of wifi at airports, ports and on buses.

Penryn Campus: the universities will shortly be announcing some new development projects and new figures on the economic impact of the campus.

Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank: this needs both volunteers and donations. The managers would be invited to do a presentation to a future meeting.

Membership

• Mike West was welcomed as representative of The Poly
• Neil Tinson was standing down as representative of Churches Together and would be replaced by Jennie Morgan. he was thanked for his contributions and invited to continue attending as a member of the public 

Attending the meeting which was held on the 12th were:
Tim Bunhill - guest speaker
Andy Coote (chairman) - Falmouth Business Club
Steve Gray - Vice Chairman
Candy Atherton - Cornwall Council
Caroline Robinson - Federation of Small Businesses
Chris Smith - Falmouth and Penryn Community Plan
David Yelland - Falmouth Bay Residents Association
Jeremy Edwards - Chamber of Commerce
Jilly Easterby - Falmouth Exeter Plus
Jonathan Griffin - National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Lorely Lloyd - Fal Energy Partnership and Transition Falmouth
Mark Williams - Falmouth Town Council
Mike Jenks - Civic Society
Mike Reynolds - A&P Docks
Mike West - The Poly
Neil Tinson - Churches Together
Sally Stiles - Age Concern Befrienders
Shaun Davie - Falmouth Hotels Association

Meeting - January 2014

Introductions
Steve Gray was welcomed to his first meeting as vice chairman.

Mark James, Community Network Manager is the Community Network Manager for Falmouth, Penryn and the surrounding area and is thus the first point of contact for issues relating to Cornwall Council.

The Council is still facing some huge cuts. The door is is still open for people to propose ideas on how services might be operated or delivered more effectively. These can be fed through Mark.

Property, which had formerly been a difficult area, was on the agenda for transfer as well. Discussions were taking place over the transfer of the Falmouth Town Hall. Some areas, and the Watersports Cente was quoted, were having more difficulty engaging with the Council. It was suggested that the latter should be taken up through Councillors (Geoffrey Evans in this case).

Matters arising from the previous meeting
A new one-liner definition of the Forum's work was available elsewhere on the website.

The Source FM crowd-funding scheme had been successful and a new transmitter is being bought. The old one would be going to Redruth.

Falmouth in 2014
The economic indicators seem to suggest that the UK will grow more in 2014 though not yet at pre-recession levels. As one of the key tasks of the Forum is ‘to strive for the ongoing prosperity and well being of Falmouth and its community’, it was interesting to hear specific plans from members and to find ways assist where we feel the Forum can make a difference in maximising opportunities and confronting issues that may arise.

The biggest challenge for the town was likely to come from the cuts in public sector financing. Cornwall Council have already made cuts and deeper and more wide-ranging ones are in the pipeline.

Falmouth Town Council is being pro-active in seeking to pick up the services which it believes are essential to the town. It recently agreed a precept which involved an average increase of £26 per household. This would be used to fund things like the management of buses, cctv and planting. Unfortunately the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) had spotted this diversion of funding and threatened to cap town councils' precepts. A final decision on this is due in February, an 'absurd' six weeks before the beginning of the financial year. The cap might be put off for one year. Under the DCLG cap proposals, FTC would have to to hold a referendum to break the cap which would cost about £20k funded by FTC.

As far as the toilets are concerned, the plan was to remove the pay barriers on 2 April when the Town Council takes over.

The Town Manager and BID Manager had very big plans for the year with activity in the town centre, for events and for tourism activity. The event calendar would be going out at the end of the week, featuring the most major event - Tall Ships - which was shaping up well.

The Town Manager now had part-time support to help grow Moor events and a programme was being developed which would include things like Moor games - a day over half term - activities by dance groups, additional flags and so on.

The International Shanty Festival was also shaping up well with over 50 groups already booked. More enquiries were coming through as the town activities grow and Falmouth is increasingly seen as an 'event town'.

The BID would be continuing following the successful re-ballot. There had been a 60% turnout with an 87% 'Yes' vote which was very high in the country. A five year renewal brochure had been produced which was very much based on ideas that had been contributed by the town. There were now six BIDs in Cornwall of which this was proving the most successful.

They would be unveiling their detailed plans in the next few weeks.The AGM, to which all were invited, was planned for 18:00 on Thursday 13 February at the NMMC.

The plans for A&P Docks for the coming year were:

• To maintain a viable business and a establish plans for growth to be realised in 2015 and beyond
• To continue to fully employ 245 permanent staff and as many other full-time equivalents as possible
• To support the local community where possible including staging the Tall Ships even in August

Fal River links were equally positive. The Fal River Festival would be extended in time. A transport contract had been won to support Tall Ships and the Visitor Information Centre was already receiving enquiries. The new bus services, while trials, were proving successful by using a more flexible model than previous operators.

Planning issues
Cornwall Council has agreed a new figure for housing which would go into the Core Strategy. At a minimum of 47,500 this was just below the previous suggestion but was not as low as some Councillors had been looking for. Encouragingly, existing planning permissions plus known developments would account for about one third of this figure. The Falmouth and Penryn figure had also been revised downwards to 2,600 with about 500 for the rest of the Community Network Area. CC had established a new policy that any public land that was sold for housing would have to contain 50% affordable housing. It remained to be seen if these new targets were going to be acceptable to DCLG.

The draft Local Development Framework for Falmouth and Penryn would now go forward. It was helpful that 'the University' was planning to build accommodation on its own land as this would take pressure off the towns. There were still concerns that the new build would only provide housing and would not be truly sustainable developments with proper supporting infrastructure.

Transport issues
The Town Council intended to revive the Transport and Infrastructure Working Group as there was a gap in dialogue between the town and CC following the closure of the previous group and the demise of the Mayors' Regeneration Group. This would be chaired by David Saunby. Tim Light would represent the Forum on the group. First Buses were interested in attending.

A range of issues was discussed:

• The benefits, or not, of out of town parking and how that is both controlled and managed
• Buses and bus routes. There is a need to investigate what passengers actually needed and how assets could be used more effectively. There is also a need to service the outlying villages effectively
• Traffic pressures, especially at peak hours in places such as Bickland Water Road
• The lack of progress on the idea of creating cycling demonstration towns
• Car parking, especially Church Street Car Park which was still partly barricaded off

Other Issues 
The Falmouth Bay Residents Association was welcomed as a new member of the Forum. The Association is involved in many groups in Falmouth and is not just a local lobby group. It runs a computer club, holds garden parties and raises funds raised go to local charities. Its catchment area is specific - the Gyllyngvase side of Melvill Road - but anyone can join as an associate member.

There was an active Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank who are always in need of both volunteers and donations. They would be invited to a future meeting to talk about the practical aspects of their work.

A new Falmouth Bay CIC was being created to deal with issues in that area including the removal of seaweed, enhancement of the benches, shelters and general area. Anyone inclined to help or join was encouraged to have a word with the team.

A group of local residents were starting work in the Tregoniggie area, repairing woodland with help from Cormac.

Attending the meeting which was held on the 15th were:
Andy Coote (chairman)- Falmouth Business Club
Steve Gray - Vice Chairman
Candy Atherton - Cornwall Council
Dave Saunby - Cornwall Council
David Yelland - Falmouth School
Dick Stiles - Civic Society
Jackie George - Watersports Association
Jeremy Edwards - Chamber of Commerce
Jonathan Griffin - National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Mark James - Cornwall Council
Mark Williams - Falmouth Town Council
Mike Jenks - Civic Society
Neil Tinson - Churches Together
Sally Stiles - Age Concern Befrienders
Shaun Davie - Falmouth Hotels Association
Richard Gates - Town Manager
Richard Wilcox - Falmouth BID
Tim Light - Fal River Cornwall