A proposed £150 million plan to expand Cornwall’s Falmouth Docks to allow larger cruise ships to berth has been met by environmental concerns from critics.
A planning application to Cornwall Council includes the demolition of current on-site buildings, construction of new wharf structures and an area for floating wind power activities to modernise dock infrastructure.
Falmouth already hosts around 40 cruise ships a year, with most having a maximum capacity of around 3,500 passengers. The extension would allow ships with a capacity of 5,400 passengers, with a length of up to 345 metres, to berth in the harbour.
According to the government, the overhaul could attract up to 200,000 cruise visitors annually by 2030 and inject £13 million into the local economy.
However, concerns about the spread of sediment and toxic substances, plus the threat to marine life have prompted several objections from locals.
As of 19 August, the planning application has received 376 objections.
A community petition has been launched to object to the proposal following resident concerns on expansion plans in light of the significant social and environmental impact.
Although Cornwall Wildlife Trust does not oppose the plans, the group has also submitted a holding objection over dredging, marine habitats, wildlife and sediment management under the current proposal.
In October, the government sped up planning approvals, adding that the redevelopment was poised to create hundreds of jobs, support homegrown clean energy and boost economic growth across the south-west.
Dan Barrios-O’Neill, head of marine conservation at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: “We all want a thriving port and strong local economy, but speeding up decisions must not mean weakening environmental safeguards, particularly in an area like the Fal.
“The marine ecosystems here are nationally important, supporting irreplaceable maerl beds, seagrass meadows and extensive areas traditionally fished for Fal oysters.”
The proposal is expected to go before Cornwall Council's Strategic Planning Committee at a meeting on 20 August.
If plans are approved by the Marine Management Organisation and Cornwall Council to redevelop Falmouth Docks, new facilities are expected to be operational by 2030.
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