Flushing Sailing Club is applying to install a floating pontoon to improve access to the new clubhouse built in 2021.

Earlier in the year the club made it known that it had been working on a proposal for a floating pontoon at the entrance to the Penryn river accessed via a tidal bridge from the end of New Quay.

It has now made application to the Marine Management Organisation for a marine license for the removal of a minimum of three swing moorings and the installation of a floating pontoon and associated ground tackle.

The club has spent three years working with specialist advisers to prepare the plans and undertaken extensive informal discussions with key Government advisers, local organisations and the local community.

The proposal is designed to improve accessibility from the sea to its new clubhouse built in 2021 and from land to Penryn River and Falmouth Harbour.

It is a long-held ambition to enable access for elderly and less abled sailors and improve access for all users of the Club.

The proposed 50 metre pontoon will be reached by a 25 metre bridge/gangway which will be the subject of a later application for planning and listed building consent.

The club anticipates that more sailors will access the club via the water during the April to October sailing season and thereby reduce traffic in the congested village as part of its sustainable transport plan.

The proposal requires the removal of three swinging mooring and their replacement with the permanent pontoon which, the club says, will enable a significant reduction in damage to the vulnerable seabed in this Special Area of Conservation, delivering an important marine biodiversity net gain in the planning parlance.

The club is also in regular constructive discussion with the Harbour Master at the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners regarding navigational and maintenance matters and they are positive and supportive.

Following a community consultation in January, the club says it has worked with its consultants to incorporate the helpful and positive comments by members of the local community, particularly residents of the village.

Legal notices will appear on site on August 14.

The new clubhouse was officially opened by the Princess Royal, President of the RYA In August 2021 following a fundraising campaign.

There has been a clubhouse on the quay since 1959 which was extended in 1966 and again in 1975, with further improvements made in recent years.

The campaign to get a new clubhouse started in 2014 following yet another leaky roof incident.

The application can be viewed in full on the Marine Management Organisations website and make comments at:- www.gov.uk/check-marine-licence-register