Cornwall Council move to consider alternatives

19/5/09

A second Andrew George-sponsored meeting between objectors and the Route Partnership has resulted in a move by Cornwall Council to appraise alternatives to building on Battery Rocks beach.

This is a very important development and Cornwall Council should be congratulated for its willingness to move towards alternatives to building on Battery Rocks beach. A Council that is properly responsive to the wishes of local people deserves public support and the Friends of Penzance Harbour will provide whatever support it can to the appraisal of alternatives to the old Route Partnership scheme.

However, while we welcome the move to appraise alternative locations for the terminals, we think that the scope of what is being proposed is too narrow to identify the best and most cost-effective arrangements for enhancing the Isles of Scilly Link. The choice of vessel or vessels, which is outside the scope of the proposed appraisal, is an important factor in determining the location and feasibility of alternative arrangements for the passenger and freight terminals. For example, a single combined freight and passenger vessel makes it difficult to operate a passenger service from the Albert Pier where it would integrate with bus and rail services and where car and coach parking is readily available. Similarly the advantages of the out of town freight depot approach are reduced if the vessel chosen cannot handle industry-standard 20 foot containers. The need to “get it right” in all respects is important enough to warrant taking more time and extending the scope of the appraisal so that issues of vessel choice are part of the decision making in respect of terminal location.

That said if the proposed appraisal is undertaken in good faith and with a will to finding an alternative to building on Battery Rocks beach then it can come up with useful proposals that take us in the direction of an enhanced Isles of Scilly Link that is supported by local people.

This is an important move by Cornwall Council but they have not withdrawn their planning application to build on Battery Rocks beach and objectors must continue to push for its rejection by planners. If you haven’t already done so please object now (see below for details of how to do this).

How to help stop the Route Partnership's plans for Penzance : download pdf | view pdf

Press Statement from Andrew George