The possible demise of Falmouth Wharves is an issue that, in my opinion, Cornwall Council needs to address very seriously.

Falmouth is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world but time and time again the town is guilty of turning its back on its most important asset. The loss of this port-related site to a part residential development could adversely impact on the commercial diversity of the port.

A planning application has been lodged for the demolition of existing buildings and their replacement with a mixed use development incorporating 44 flats, a 14-bedroomed hotel, 20 light industrial/workshop units, gallery space and a restaurant/cafe with ancillary infrastructure and associated landscape works. The wharf area around the buildings is to be utilised as public open space.

Pontoons are to be incorporated into the development, for berthing of small craft and providing a water taxi stop.

Does Falmouth need anymore waterfront flats and pontoon berths for yachts?

Falmouth Wharves is the only deep-water berth available in the port apart from the docks where existing commercial operators based there are fighting for berth space since the demolition of the King’s and Empire jetties.

Leading anti-dredging campaigner Dr Miles Hoskin has objected to the Falmouth Wharves scheme. He said: “This development would alienate the site to marine businesses requiring deep-water quayside berths. Were the development to proceed, it seems highly likely that most, if not all, of these businesses would be forced out and have nowhere else to move to.”

Miles Hoskin is absolutely correct. Fisherman, offshore launch operators providing a vital service for shipping operate from the wharves. Serco vessels, which carry out vital Ministry of Defence work, also have a base there.

Jonathan Manser, from the Manser Practice, the architects who have designed the waterfront scheme said that there had been a great deal of misinformation about the development and that they had worked hard to overcome previous planning objections, working with Cornwall Council planners.

He has disputed the claim that the proposed development would see a loss of the deep-water wharf, adding that the current buildings were in a very poor condition, and without investment and development they would get worse, leaving nothing at the site.

Truro businessman Rolf Munding is the man fronting the proposed development under his company Fairhaven Shipping.