Following the monthly Board Meeting of Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC), the Commission reports on the local reaction to proposed developments at Newlyn Harbour and announces the appointment of a new second Deputy Harbour Master.

The Advisory Board’s recent public exhibition of NP&HC’s strategic thinking in relation to the development of Sandy Cove was well received by those who attended and a high percentage are in favour.

Proposals include the creation of an access road from the A30 to Sandy Cove for HGV and other fishing industry-related vehicles, which would have a significant effect on traffic flow through Newlyn; a proposed marina in Penlee Quarry, and a curved breakwater at Sandy Cove that would reduce the impact of storm waves and tidal surges, as well as provide deep water berths to cater for much larger fishing, sailing and commercial vessels.

As this proposed development impacts on the whole of Newlyn, not just the Harbour estate, it would require a transformative level of funding. NP&HC will now take this to the next stage by discussing it with Cornwall Council and other key stakeholders.

“The Harbour Commission is very excited to see local support for such an adventurous and futuristic project that would benefit our hardworking fisherfolk, preserve the fishery and take Newlyn into the 22^nd and 23^rd centuries, and even beyond,” explains Chairman of NP&HC, Rob Wing. “We have tasked our Cornwall Council Harbour Commissioner, Cllr Peter Channon, to discuss our ideas with Cornwall Council’s Leader, Cllr Linda Taylor, to determine whether there is an appetite to take this forward and gain a better understanding of the chances of an access road from the A30 to Sandy Cove being built, which is both the strength and the Achilles’ heel of the project.

“With that knowledge, we will then make a formal approach to Cornwall Council and the UK Government, via George Eustice, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to find out how best to make this happen as it is a major project that requires a multi-agency approach. If Cornwall Council support it, the Government will listen.

In other news, Roger Nowell has been appointed to the role of Deputy Harbour Master, joining Deputy Harbour Master, Jedna Hall who is already in post.

Roger Nowell has spent his life in the Cornish fishing industry and is well-known in the port.

Having skippered small inshore vessels and large beam trawlers, he is a well-respected fisherman and is ideally placed to come ashore and manage the Harbour’s quays.

“We are delighted to welcome Roger to the Newlyn Harbour team at an important moment in our history and look forward to working with him” concludes Rob Wing.