The Packet approached KML Ltd with specific questions and concerns raised by nearby residents who believe that the work at Falmouth Wharves is causing excessive noise and pollution. A spokesman for the company gave the following answers.

How would you respond to the complaint of excessive noise and dust?

"We operate considerately and liaise directly with our neighbours to keep them updated on our operations. We have put in place measures to ensure that dust and noise is kept to a minimum in the transportation and loading of the granite, and we have consulted widely with the local, regional and national authorities to ensure our operations are compliant, including on haulage, highway and traffic matters. Our own traffic measurements show that North Parade receives a wide variety of traffic, including buses and delivery vans not connected with our operations.

There are suggestions that KML has been told not to stockpile armour rock. What would you say to that?

"The wharf as it is today was predominantly constructed in the 1930s by the then owners for the import and export of goods from Falmouth. It was a major extension to the site of the previous 19th century cellars.

"The 1930s wharf was built so that goods could be stored on site ahead of loading as well as transported in and out of the wharf by road and water. Goods have always been stored here for marine movement. There is no local restriction, from the harbourmaster or otherwise, on what goods can be stored or shipped.

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Mr Rogers is being accused of ignoring recommendations and also that the 19th century wharf is not big enough for the operation. Also that the employees take up roadside parking, thus leaving none for residents.

"We are pleased that through KML’s current operations, the wharf is continuing to be used in the manner in which it was intended. In addition, the wharf has status as a designated minerals export hub.

"At any one time, our team are working on multiple projects around the UK and Europe which means that staff numbers based at our headquarters at Falmouth Wharves are proportionate and reasonable for a head office facility."

The company has now expanded to two barges - are they working to set times?

"KML are one of the UK’s leaders in the sourcing, supply, marine delivery and placement of rock armour for coastal protection schemes and marine civils and harbour projects. This work brings investment and jobs to Falmouth and more widely in Cornwall.

"We invested in our second rock barge, Selina, during the summer of 2018 and this purchase was publicised at the time by the Falmouth Packet. Multiple barge operations have been undertaken by us at the wharf for more than six years.

"As with any marine related business, our operations, particularly in relation to vessel movements, are planned around the tides. This means that from time to time, we have to work outside of normal working hours in order to be able to catch the tidal window and meet our client’s project timescales. This scenario would have been the same for all companies that have operated out of the wharf since it was constructed."

It is alleged that there was an incident in which a barge hit a channel marker near to a family boat.

"Our barges are navigated with great care through the main shipping channel to the wharves, with Falmouth pilots embarked. Over the hundreds of trips made over the years, there have been no incidents. There is no foundation in the allegation of hitting a channel marker.