The owner of Falmouth Docks has released a video statement ahead of a community meeting hosted by environmentalist group Stop the Dredge on Monday evening.
Balaena, which owns Falmouth Docks after a £150m takeover of A&P’s parent company in June, posted the clip on Facebook saying: “There’s been a lot said about the proposed development in our Falmouth yard over the past few weeks.
“We wanted to explain, simply, what we’re proposing and why.”
The shipyard company has faced opposition to its proposals to dredge in the harbour and redevelop the docks to allow larger cruise, cargo and navy ships to berth.
Developers say the investment would create jobs, increase spending in the town and help secure the long-term future of the docks.
In the video, a Balaena spokesman says: “We have to modernise – we have to make sure that the infrastructure here is safe for navigation.
“By doing this, we’ll be able to ensure that passengers, cargo and ships can continue to come to Falmouth as they always used to.”
The company described the ‘layers of safeguards’ in place to limit environmental disruption due to the project, including only dredging on an incoming tide.
“The scheme does not dredge any of the maerl habitats that are a designated feature of the special area of conservation,” the spokesperson added.
“There is no dredging to be done in the outer estuary.”
The video highlighted Balaena’s focus on ‘future industries’ like the floating offshore wind sector, including areas of the docks set out for assembly and transportation of wind turbines.
“We want to bring forward a project that delivers those career opportunities whilst working within the confines of the environment around us.
“It’s not easy, but we have to do it."
The meeting will take place at The Cornish Bank in Church Street at 7pm on Monday, August 17, and will hear from local fishers, marine experts, environmental groups, businesses and residents.
Invitations have also been extended to the local MP, Cornwall councillors and Balaena.
Organisers Stop the Dredge, a local group opposing the scheme, urged residents to attend to find out more about the proposals and their potential impact on the harbour, local beaches, wildlife, businesses and water-based recreation.
The dredging proposals are expected to be considered by Cornwall Council’s Strategic Planning Committee later this month.
Campaigners say they understand the planning meeting, originally expected to take place on August 20, has been deferred to August 24.
These plans include “pocket dredging” around berths rather than deepening the entire harbour.
Up to 643,000 cubic metres of sediment – the volume of 20,000 shipping containers – could be removed, with much of the material proposed for disposal at sea.
The scheme requires planning permission from Cornwall Council for land-based works and a marine licence for dredging and other works below the waterline.
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However, the plans have prompted opposition from environmental groups, residents, fishers and water users, who fear dredging could disturb historically contaminated sediment.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust has submitted a Holding Objection to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), calling for further research before the proposals can be fully assessed.
Head of Marine Conservation Dan Barrios-O’Neill said: “These habitats and species already face pressures from climate change, declining water quality and pollution.
“Any major dredging operation must therefore be planned and managed with exceptional care.”
The public meeting will begin at 7pm Monday, 17 August, and will be livestreamed on Instagram for people unable to attend in person, organisers confirmed.
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