Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) is to apply for planning permission for a revised small boat facility in Custom House Quay, a year after it withdrew its original proposals following world-wide condemnation of that scheme.

The new scheme would provide an additional facility to be operated by the commissioners’ leisure services arm, Falmouth Haven and is a revision to an earlier planning application submitted last October. Following feedback from the public last year, FHC consulted with a number of local residents and customers to consider their concerns and design an alternative scheme.

The original scheme sought to create a 60 berth marina within the basin and included plans to install a bridge and plinth platform to the north face of the inner basin of Custom House Quay and North Quay. It was withdrawn after public outrage which saw 1,300 people from around the world sign an online petition against the proposals.

The commissioners claim the new proposed small boat facility would enable current outhaul facilities to stay in place and that the impact on the historic quay wall will be "minimal" as the pontoon will be moored away from the structure. The new scheme would also provide access to the pontoons, by utilising a set of existing steps in the basin, removing the need for a bridge to be installed on the quay.

As with the plans submitted in 2015, the new design involves the pontoons being moored with chains under the surface of the water. This avoids the need to use piles above the water which helps to minimise the visual impact of the scheme.

The pontoon facility would provide nearly 50 new berths for vessels up to six metres long and provide an improved pick up and drop off point for small craft in the basin.

FHC's chief executive, Captain Mark Sansom, said: “The new plans are an exciting development for Falmouth and will help meet local demand for these sort of facilities. We have seen similar pontoon arrangements introduced into other harbours like St Mawes and Padstow which have been very successful.

"We are confident that the proposed scheme will provide much needed and convenient facilities for local boat users, whilst maintaining the much-loved look and feel of Custom House Quay."

The application is likely to be submitted in the next few weeks and when it has details will be posted on Cornwall Council's website.