Falmouth Packet: Opposition to plans town's waterfront

Up-and-coming bands, established companies and even the Duchy Opera could be put in jeopardy if a proposed Falmouth waterfront development is given the go-ahead, protestors have claimed.
Craftsmen, musicians and artists who are currently working at Coastline Wharf, North Parade, are finding themselves under threat, following the news that plans for a multi-million pound development have been resubmitted.
Norwegian businessman Rolf Munding has submitted the application under his company Fairhaven Shipping Limited, requesting permission to demolish the existing buildings on the wharf and replace them with a "mixed use development" featuring four flats, a 14-bedroom hotel and around 4,580 square metres of commercial floor space, including a restaurant/cafe and workshop units.
However, businesses that currently use the site - which include Scott Woyka Furniture and other independent craftsmen and women - said that it could mean the end for them.
Although some have been given a promise that they can return and use the workshops once the development has been built, they fear that the workshops provided will be either inappropriate for their needs or too expensive. They also claim that it would be impractical to find somewhere new to work while the development was being built and then return when it was completed.
Andy Green, from Scott Woyka Furniture, said: "We moved here about four and a half years ago and this chap who owns it now said there was a possibility we could stay on here. For us to relocate and come back, it's not actually viable for us to do that. For the majority of people in a similar situation they're going to go away from here and not come back."
Derek Rowse, a set maker for the Duchy Opera, said he was concerned about the development as he feared it could put the future of the company in jeopardy.
"We can't afford a commercial rent, for sure. It would cost, and our ticket prices would have to go up to cover it," he explained.
The future of Falmouth's music scene would also find themselves under threat, as the wharf houses Troubadour Studios - where rising bands are able to practice and record their work at affordable prices.
Lukas Drinkwater, who uses the studios, said: "It's a proper facility for younger and poorer musicians. The professional studios aren't cheap enough for us locals to afford. There's nowhere else around here big enough for us to make that amount of noise until that late at night. That's why, if it went, we'd be screwed really."
Peran Odgers, from Electric Friends, added that through working with the studios his band had secured a number of gigs, including in Bordeaux, France.
Darren, who makes guitars in a workshop on the wharf, said: "The kind of development that is proposed is the kind of development that will compound the social problems that Cornwall has. It will force local people out and replace it with a sterile environment."
On the top floor of the Troubadour Studios building, a number of artists work. Rebecca Diss, part of the Level 2 art group, had concerns about the wharf itself. She is one of a group of artists who have been given a heritage grant to document the wharf. She said: "This is the last working wharf left now. People are keen to preserve and develop it. We're making a record of what's gone on here in the past and now, so we can document and create a legacy."
However, Peter Tierney, who runs maritime businesses from the wharf, said: "I'm not in favour of it, but I think it's inevitable. The face of Falmouth and what it stands for is changing. I've got Falmouth at heart, but I do really believe, for good or band, the situation is changing."
Christopher Gray, who built and runs Troubadour Studios, agreed that the area was changing but believed that if the site had to be developed it could be put to better use.
"This site could be really forward-thinking. Develop creative industries rather than tourist industries. Tourism - it's the fast buck. I just don't think he should be allowed to do it. It will become Croydon on Sea with boats - dead in the winter," he added.
The plans came up for consideration by members of Falmouth town council's planning committee on Monday evening (May 21). Before they made their decision, councillors heard a presentation from Kimberley Stone, from Troubadour Studios, who explained the concerns on behalf of all the businesses and wharf users.
Following the talk, councillor John Body said: "I totally disagree with this. There's a loss of maritime industries and local jobs down there, as well as serious highway issues. I'm all for waterfront schemes but locals will not get access and they will be nowhere near the waterfront."
Councillor Mike Varney also said he had concerns about flooding issues, over-development of the area, no affordable housing and the development not fitting in with the conservation area and the area of outstanding natural beauty.
Members agreed unanimously to object to the application and requested that a ward member be consulted in any future proceedings.