Penzance,
Newlyn, Penlee Technical Investigations - PNP Site Investigations
Penlee Quarry Environmental Scoping Study
7 January 2004 | Report no: DV01104/RT/11/01| PDF File size 2,654kb
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THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
What will be the impact during construction?
Relatively major works will be required to reshape and stabilise the quarry
during which methods similar to quarrying will be employed. This phase
of the construction is expected to have the most impact. Subsequent works
to construct buildings, roads, etc. will be significant but of a more
familiar nature. Surveys currently underway are intended to establish
what limitations should be set in terms of noise, vibrations and dust.
How will the development remain vibrant year round and not just
seasonal through second home ownership?
The development has a range of assets planned such as a marina, hotel,
restaurant, housing, retail and office. These will interact and provide
a service for each other and the surrounding area. Unsurprisingly, the
focus of activity changes slightly thought the year, moving from boating
in summer to boat maintenance after October and through winter. However,
the range of facilities, layout and ease of access to the water will encourage
interest and boating activity throughout the year.
Will the public have access to the foreshore?
It remains the intention to provide public access with particular attention
to the foreshore and coastal path. Providing public access to the geological
Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) within the quarry is being
developed.
How will the development address the issue of affordable housing
for locals?
The development will be designed with great care to ensure a mix of housing
is established. Size, shape and location of building will vary adding
to the character of the place. Year round vibrancy is essential for attractions
and success of the development and marina. A collection of only second
homes is to be avoided.
What
will happen if the development does not go ahead?
MDL Developments Ltd does not own the mineral rights, these were retained
by Hanson PLC who are keen to see a long term economic use established
for the site.
However, the quarry has not been fully mined and therefore if demand grew
mining operations could continue. In theory, with planning already granted
until 2040 the quarry could be enlarged as illustrated in the image on
the right.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
What will be done to protect wildlife and habitat within the
quarry?
Surveys are being completed to identify existing flora and fauna. The
result of these surveys will be considered in the Environmental Impact
Assessment and final design.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Environmental Agency, English Nature, Local
Wildlife Officers and RSPB are being fully briefed and consulted regularly
to ensure that MDL Developments Ltd are properly advised on matters that
affect rare and protected species.
How will the proposal affect that landscape and views?
Conditions will be placed upon the development in terms of height and
aspect. Through careful design the landscape and views will be fully considered
especially with reference to the village of Paul and the Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty.
Architects and specialists are reviewing how to make best use of space
within the quarry from which buildings and structures can be designed
to create an exciting development of character.
LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Will the proposal affect existing traffic?
To assess the potential impact and explore areas where improvements can
be made a traffic study is underway. This study will also take into consideration
proposals for Newlyn. Car parking for all Penlee will be provided for
in the quarry and consideration is being given to providing additional
parking for visitors to Newlyn and Mousehole.
Are existing services adequate?
Initial investigations suggest suitable electrical, water and drainage
services are available from Cliff Road.
How will disruption be avoided during construction?
Controls and limitations will be placed on contractors, but a number of
construction methods are being considered to reduce disruption such as:
- Materials being delivered by sea.
- The use of materials within the quarry rather than import.
- Provision of a construction road along the foreshore
to Newlyn so that use of the Cliff Road is reduced.
The Penlee development can bring many advantages to
plans for Newlyn, Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. For example as a storage
compound and construction area or provision of raw material for all these
projects.
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