Port Penlee

Key Issues

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
click here to download the report

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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