West Briton: The dream is over on the waterfront

A DEVELOPER'S multi-million pound dream of transforming part of Falmouth's waterfront has turned sour, after a planning inspector ruled it was unacceptable.
Rolf Munding of Fairhaven Shipping Ltd appealed after the district council refused the proposal to redevelop Coastline Wharf, off North Parade.
He already owns the site and wanted to create a mixed-use of 45 flats, 14-bed hotel, 4,580 square metres of commercial floor space to include 17 light industrial units, gallery space, restaurant/cafe, 70 parking spaces and a public/performance space.
But despite putting forward a case, which included support from Eden supremo Tim Smit, the inspector dismissed the appeal.
Jill Kingaby said: "None of the positive outcomes can overcome the major difficulties related to impact on sustaining the regenerating the local economy and flood risk."
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At the appeal hearing her attention was drawn to the Jubilee Wharf development in Penryn, which also lies within a flood plain but this was allowed as it would trigger regeneration in the area.
She said: "I accept the current proposal has planning advantages.
"The proposal is promoted by someone with a strong track record in achieving successful major developments.
"However, the contribution to economic sustainability and regeneration in this case may not be significant.
"It has not been adequately demonstrated that the development provides wider benefits to the community to outweigh the flood risk."
Mr Munding is currently rowing in France and said he had no comment to give at the moment, so it is unclear what his next step will be.
In 2006 his company withdrew an application after running into opposition and believed the new scheme, submitted last spring, addressed concerns.
However, the planning committee turned it down as it felt alternative sites were available away from the flood plain, and it would be a loss of site for marine related business.
Mrs Kingaby said: "Waterside sites should be safeguarded for uses needing such locations, giving priority to maritime industries.
"The appellant argued there is little evident of an unsatisfied demand for maritime industrial uses in Falmouth."
This contradicted information from the South West Regional Development Agency, which stated there was an identified demand for such uses, including a marine school, business park, incubation centre and space in relation to the Wavehub.
Mrs Kingaby added: "I have considered whether the proposal with a hotel and visitor facilities needs a waterside location.
"It is argued that it would provide a new, unique destination. I have seen scant hard evident that the proposed development 'requires' this waterside location."
Falmouth mayor Mike Varney said he was pleased the inspector agreed with the town and district council, but said there was room for development. He said: "It is quite evident that something needs to be done on the site, but we must make sure that the people living and working there have secure futures. I am convinced if we work together there is no reason why a scheme cannot be produced that will be acceptable to everyone."