Enough red tape has been slashed to allow the major infrastructure project to go ahead after previous delays caused by environmental concerns
Several docks within the Falmouth Docks infrastructure project are set to receive repairs and accommodations for larger vessels.
The redevelopment has a total value of £150m, and will utilise clean energy while also bringing more jobs for locals.
Planning reforms allowed the project to go ahead
Previously, concerns with the marine environment had prevented this project from being allowed to go ahead. However, under changes made by the Plan for Change, APCL A&P Falmouth will work directly with the Marine Management Organisation, who in turn will work with Natural England and the Environment Agency, to push permission through quickly and efficiently.
As such, the project is expected to be completed and become fully operational by 2030, improving Falmouth’s defence, cruise, marine, and offshore capabilities by extending Queens Wharf, allowing larger vessels to berth, and new on-site facilities for offshore wind power structures to be built.
Secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, Emma Reynolds, said: “Communities across the country have been let down by a bureaucratic planning system that chokes enterprise, does little for nature and leaves hardworking people waiting for the jobs and investment they deserve.
“Having one clear regulator in charge speeds up approvals and helps projects like Falmouth Docks to progress at pace, without compromising our ironclad commitment to the environment. This is a win-win situation for jobs, prosperity and nature.
Through our Plan for Change, this government is fast-tracking the infrastructure Britain needs to secure national renewal.”
APCL A&P Falmouth managing director, Mike Spicer, said: “APCL A&P Falmouth is a centre of excellence for the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, offshore vessels, cruise ships and ferries. The facility is also a busy working port, handling over 100,000 tonnes of product annually and welcoming 56 cruise calls this year.
“APCL welcomes today’s news that the Marine Management Organisation will act as a single point of contact for planning applications.
“The acceleration of planning process for development applications like ours will enable us to significantly enhance the services we can offer to our defence, offshore and cruise customers and help fulfil Cornwall’s ambitious floating offshore wind agenda.”
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill reduces delivery time by a year
Announced in April, amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill were intended to halve the average delivery period of two years by removing statutory consultation requirements for major infrastructure projects.
These changes affect roads, railways, windfarms, and other large projects such as the Falmouth Docks infrastructure project.
At the time, then-deputy prime minister and housing secretary Angela Rayner said: “Critical national infrastructure is key to Britain’s future and security – so we can’t afford to have projects held up by tiresome requirements and uncertainty, caused by a system that is not working for communities or developers and holding back our true potential.
“We are strengthening the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to make sure we can lead the world again with new roads, railways, and energy infrastructure as part of the Plan for Change, whilst ensuring local people still have a say in our journey to get Britain building.”
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