Ferry terminal plan is sunk
A MAJOR Cornish harbour development was dramatically rejected yesterday – prompting jubilation from campaigners.
However, it also sparked warnings that it would sound the economic death knell of an entire town.
At the end of a fraught planning meeting in Penzance, a £44 million plan to enhance the Isles of Scilly ferry link was slung out by Cornwall council's strategic planning committee. It instantly raised the prospect that the finances for the scheme would evaporate while alternatives were being worked up.
Meanwhile, angry councillors on the Isles of Scilly are believed to favour severing their historic link with Penzance under any future scheme and switching the ferry to Falmouth.
On the mainland, people who had argued that the very future of the town depended on it said it was a bleak day.
"This is tragic for Penzance," said Mike Waters, chairman of the town's Chamber of Commerce.
"It is a shortsighted decision and the majority of businesses in the town will be devastated."
Graham Hicks, Cornwall Council's lead member on transport – who raised the temperature of the debate by calling objectors "small-minded" – said he was astonished.
"This is a disastrous day for Penzance," he said. "I cannot see it how can be delivered in Penzance now. There is a very real danger that the link will be lost altogether."
There was dismay on the Isles of Scilly, whose council long ago rubber-stamped the plan for its end of the link.
Councillor Gordon Bilsborough said time had run out to pull together an alterative.
"We do not think there will be enough time to get a fully costed scheme together before the funding runs out."
But their words fell on deaf ears for opponents, led by the Friends of Penzance Harbour, who have waged a determined battle to get the application thrown out.
John Maggs, spokesman for the group who is currently attending the climate talks in Copenhagen, was informed about the decision the moment the meeting ended.
"I'm very pleased indeed," he said by phone. "This is the function of a community that cares passionately about their town."
He said fears the funding, which comes mainly from the Government and the European Union, would be lost was a red herring. "Personally, I have never believed that the money will go anywhere else. If the public sector won't provide the link, the private sector will."
John Moreland, a Penzance town councillor and chairman of Penzance Civic Society, said he was delighted with the decision.
"It is excellent. It is a small victory for democracy. The problem all along has been the tick-box consultation which has taken place."
Outside the meeting, which had been packed with standing room only, there was a buoyant air of victory.
"Common sense has prevailed. The people of Penzance have spoken and have said they do not want this monstrosity," said one woman.
A Harbour Revision Order granted by the Government earlier this year had already effectively given permission for much of the proposed work to take place.
Under discussion at St John's Hall yesterday were works which would have facilitated the development, such as a pier extension and rock armour to protect the sea walls. This would have allowed the plan, known as Option A, to create a combined passenger and freight terminal, to go forward. Protesters believed this would destroy the historic Battery Rocks area of town and instead championed Option C.
This alternative, being presented to Cornwall Council's cabinet tomorrow, would mean a passenger handling facility in the converted Trinity House museum and an out-of-town freight depot.
But fears have been voiced that it would push up prices on the Isles of Scilly by 25 per cent and take too long to deliver. Many members of the committee were persuaded by a judgment from English Heritage delivered two weeks ago which made a number of strident objections.
The overall application from the Cornwall Council-led consortium Route Partnership was two strands, with the first on listed building consent concerning works to the pier. After four hours of debate, the committee voted 12-7 to reject the first proposal – prompting the Route Partnership to defer the second half.
Decisions will now have to be made on how – or whether – to carry the scheme forward.
For more reports and reaction see Thursday's Cornishman.
152 Comments
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by George, padstow
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 9:38PM
“As an ex-pat from Penzance I am aplled at the attitude of the small number of inhabitant who are determined to drive the IOS Steamship link away from Penzance. It can only be a disaster for Penzance in the loss of trade and prestige. I used to swim of the Battery rocks as a teenager and fish of the pier as i remember the back of the pier was only a few rocks and some shingle. Let's hope somebody can see sense and accomodate the IOS link and support the Islanders.”
by Russ Fltcher, Penzance
Wednesday, January 27 2010, 1:18PM
“The opposition to this project is utterly ridiculous. The people against this seem to have no regard for the local economy or any idea what it is that they are trying to turn away. Most arguments I have heard don't even have the project in the correct location. Penzance has already lost a huge amount of revenue and local jobs by turning away University status. Surely these people can't be so stupid not to be able to see the progress and dividends that have been yielded in other areas of Cornwall with their acceptance of this progress? The loss of the facilities for the crossing to IOS from Penzance WILL be extremely damaging to local business, on the other hand, the gains to be had by handling this correctly are enormous. The announcement in the media this last week that the feasibility studies, etc., have cost Cornwall's tax payers £5m so far in is disgraceful - how much more do we have to spend to overcome these idiots?”
by Mari, Preston
Thursday, January 07 2010, 1:50PM
“I'm amazed at the amount of hatred for Penzance. I love the place, and I love it for what it is now, not what it might become! I voted against the Battery Rock proposals because I felt it would ruin the charm of the town. I live up north, but when I come over the crest of the hill on the A30 near Ludgvan and see Mount's Bay before me, usually with the Anglian Princess anchored up, I feel I have truly come home! So many towns, particularly seaside towns, have lost their individuality, and the historic harbour of Penzance deserves to be saved. I'm certain that some kind of solution can be found which will enable to link to the Scillies to remain at its present location, yet be updated in some way. If I could live anywhere in England, then my first choice would be Penzance - honestly!!”
by Steve Adamson, Kernow
Thursday, January 07 2010, 11:58AM
“Let the ferry link leave Penzance for Falmouth. I am sure a new operator would consider setting up from Penzance and offer the crossing in half the time from Falmouth.
Penzance became the Isles of Scilly route port for a reason and its that reason it still remains favourite for any operation.”
by Hi de Hi, Penzance
Wednesday, December 23 2009, 2:32PM
“So now the Cornishman, thinks it can save Penzance by supporting the ferry link from the town. Too little too late. will the last one out of Penzance please switch off the lights.....”
by Hannah, Penzance
Friday, December 18 2009, 11:11PM
“Stedkitten, you know full well I didn't have a go at you because you live in Runcorn. Why would I do that? I had a go at you for your continual running down of your alleged hometown. Penzance is a lovely place to live. And Market Jew Street is no worse than many other regional towns' main streets and it's a great deal better than it was this time last year. Christmas shopping on Saturday, it struck me what a vibrant friendly place it was with loads of people chatting and smiling in the street and the Salvation Army band playing and collecting. Yes it has its problems, but so does everywhere. All it needs to look a great deal better is a more proactive programme of care and attention and a bit of investment.”
by Tim, Hayle
Friday, December 18 2009, 3:03PM
“Can I suggest that all people commenting on this story read Paul Newport's letter to the Cornishman published this week.
He delivers almost daily to the harbour for either the Gry or the Scillonian. If anyone knows how it shoud be done, he probably does.
I also understand that the current vessel was purchased using a £10,000,000 interest free loan on the behest of Harold WIlson. Perhaps Gordon Brown should get a house on St Mary's?”
by Grev Williams, Penzance
Friday, December 18 2009, 11:59AM
“How many members of Route Partnership does it take to change a lightbulb?... none, the lightbulb doesn't need changing, infact it's getting brighter everyday.
I am wondering what is being said that makes it so hard to understand. No one, as far as I can see, is opposing change or development. The opposition is to the abuse of process and the old fashioned and tired thinking embodied in Option A. This opposition has been constant and is shown clearly in the Route Partnerships figures. The opposition was voiced before any kind of organised protest body was formed.
Change and development? Bring it on! More drab, unimaginitive and old fashioned "municipal" compounds? No thanks.
I do hope that is now clear.”
by supportingthelink, Pz
Thursday, December 17 2009, 7:53PM
“Ok, for those who didn't hear it last time
Question: how may FoPH does it take to change a light bulb
Answer: None, "we don't like change!" ha,ha,ha.........
Seriously, i was a little depressed at the news that the terminal was turned down, but i think i'm gettin over it now. After all, we still have a lovely lump of rocks to gaze at, and the eels will be pleased that their grass hasn't been touched. Life is good!!!!”
by Steadkitten, Runcorn
Thursday, December 17 2009, 5:25PM
“William, Grev has made more comments than me and no I am not retired.
I would love to say my home town was perfect, but it is not. I believe that it has very few good shops and the sea front is in need of attention. Just because I disagree with FOPZ it doesn't mean I am running down the people of PZ. Why would I am one and all my family live in PZ. Just because I support the harbour development it doesn't mean I am not being constructive. Your personal attacks are hardly constructive.”