A MAJOR milestone has been reached in the bid to dredge Falmouth Harbour after a five year study into the environmental impact was submitted to the government body which will decide whether a licence can be issued.

The study, commissioned by Falmouth Harbour Commissioner (FHC) has been presented to the government’s marine licensing body the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

The document known as the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) will now be reviewed by the regulator as part of the pre-application process which will determine whether the application for a license to dredge will be renewed.

The move comes as an unofficial poll organised by the Packet’s In Port correspondent David Barnicoat revealed that 97 per cent of the 484 people who took part supported the dredging.

In last year’s neighbourhood plan questionnaire issued by Falmouth Town Council 78 per cent of people asked if they thought dredging Falmouth Docks was a good idea said yes.

To that end the Falmouth Packet today announces its support for dredging in Falmouth Harbour with its Pledge to Dredge campaign.

The paper is calling on Cornwall Council to give its full backing to dredging in Falmouth Harbour if it gets the go ahead which we see as crucial to the future growth and viability of Falmouth as a commercial entity.

Although the paper can’t influence the decision of the MMO, which will base its decision entirely on factual evidence, the strength of feeling in the town is heavily in favour of dredging.

We want the MMO to be aware of this support and all those other bodies that have a role in the future viability of the dredging, particularly Cornwall Council.

Commenting on the milestone, Captain Mark Sansom, chief executive and harbour master, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, said: “This is a tremendous achievement and the result of many years of hard work.

“The commissioners and their partners have persevered with this huge undertaking as we firmly believe that the dredging of the channel is absolutely fundamental to ensuring the future prosperity of the port. “We have thoroughly updated the information taking into account the concerns raised by the MMO and its statutory advisors. We also needed to consider the proposed designation of the area as a Special Protection Area for Birds together with the latest conservation advice for the Special Area of Conservation. “This has taken considerable time and investment of resources but we are confident that having reviewed the results of the trial, and having taken independent advice, we have supplied the MMO with everything it needs to make its decision.”

Falmouth Packet editor Paul Armstrong said: “Today the Falmouth Packet pledges its support for the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners in their bid to get the go-ahead for dredging of Falmouth Harbour.

“Falmouth has a proud maritime tradition which is crucial for the future prosperity of the town.

“We know and understand the concerns of those who are opposed to the dredging but feel that the economic benefits to the town outweigh them.

“We hope that the MMO will see fit to grant a license for the dredging and that this licence will be backed by Cornwall Council.”

To sign the Packet’s Pledge to Dredge Campaign go to www.change.org/p/cornwall-council-support-for-the-falmouth-packet-s-pledge-to-dredge-campaign