FOWEY HARBOUR - PORT USER GROUP. Tuesday 6th November 2018

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1 FOWEY HARBOUR - PORT USER GROUP Tuesday 6th November 2018 Minutes of a meeting of the Fowey Harbour Port User Group held on this day at the Harbour Office, Fowey at Present: James Staughton - Chairman Chris Ogg - RFYC/POFROC/RNLI (Vice Chair) David Johns - Golant Quay Users Apologies: Alistair Barr Castle Dore Rowing Club Andy Virr - Cornwall Council Phoebe Beedell Lostwithiel Town Council Mike Carter - Lanteglos Parish Council Patrick Hughes Fowey Town Council Karen Toms - RYA David Hill Polruan Town Trust Lloyd Pinckston Imerys Minerals Jeremy Crapp River Fowey Gig Club John Pollard Mixtow Residents John Barker Licensed Boatmen Absent: Andy Simmons National Trust Mike Elliott Pilot Boatmen Graham Slack FGSC/POFROC Trevor Quail - Penmarlam Quay Users Sinead Hanks/Victoria Clark - Fowey Chamber of Commerce Peter Robinson Fowey Tourist Information Claire Hoddinott - Fowey Estuary Partnership Capt. Paul Thomas - Harbour Master & Chief Exec. Capt. Will Mitchell - Chairman FHC MINUTES The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record. MATTERS ARISING - Polruan Pontoon Captain Thomas reported that the offer from Polruan Town Trust was considered by the FHC Board. Their decision was that with many demands on its finances, this project would not be taken forwards immediately but will be kept under consideration for the future. It was noted that some Board members had reservations about the design and safety aspects of the project which would need to be considered with any future plans. - Cornwall Council Devolution Cllr. Andy Virr was unable to attend the meeting but passed on an update that he will continue to chase up Cornwall Council on this issue and shares the frustration of the group on the slow pace of progress. Captain Thomas reiterated his concerns for safety at the Caffa Mill slipway and encouraged any users to voice their concerns to Cornwall Council. Captain Thomas advised that the intellectual decision to devolve Caffa Mill to FHC had been approved in principle but the process is being held up by the CC legal team which is inundated. The Chairman offered to write to Cornwall Council on behalf of the group to give further weight to safety concerns in the hope that it might be prioritised. Captain Thomas to assist with content.

2 Captain Thomas also explained that Caffa Mill boat storage and slipway were just part of the devolution package. Cornwall Council would be released from their long-term maintaining lease from FHC on the toilets at Whitehouse and would also devolve the maintenance of the path and steps at the northern end of Berrills Yard which is used by the RNLI. David Hill asked whether FHC would reopen the toilets at Whitehouse, Captain Thomas said that FHC would look at all options which may include a plan to refurbish the building to include a trading facility (café or similar) along with a toilet for public use, this set up has proved successful at Readymoney. There would also be improvements to the paddling pool. - Lighting at Mixtow John Pollard expressed thanks to FHC and Imerys on behalf of residents, the lighting adjustments are much better. - Speeding John Barker still feels speeding is an issue and signage, especially at launching areas, is inadequate. Captain Thomas asked that reports of speeding and other accusations of breaking Byelaws are made to FHC through formal channels and not via social media. REPORT FROM FHC - Captain Thomas The 2018 Season The good weather this summer gave a boost to leisure with an increase in numbers of visiting boats, which were over 6000 (up 785 boats on 2017) and there were 1000 more boat nights than in Commercial tonnages are generally running to forecast levels. There were 6 cruise liner visits in 2018, 3 cruise companies visited for the first time so this is encouraging. The Marine Services sector of the business which charters commercial craft and crews to other harbours has been very successful. A pilot boat was away from Fowey for nearly 6 months on 2 separate charters; 4 months in Great Yarmouth and 1 month on the Clyde. The tugs continue to be busy out of port with 1 Fowey tug positioned in Plymouth most of the time, support is also provided to the RFA in Falmouth when required. The revenue generated by working out of port allows the 2 tug capability to be maintained for Fowey. Penmarlam continues to be busy, the electric supply added to the main pontoon this season has proved popular and the boat lifts at the site have also been improved. Future The Brazen Island project will continue into a further phase to refurbish the workshops and improve the working environment there, these will be flexible workspaces for multi-operations. Penmarlam will see continued improvement with upgraded electric points in the boat yard especially for winter storers who, with advances in technology, should be able to top-up their electric remotely. The plastic pontoon at Penmarlam has been a success and has eased some pressure for space on the main pontoon but it is hoped there can be further provision of resident berths by joining up the existing adjacent pontoon sections to the main pontoon. Harbour Dues The Board will meet at the end of November to discuss port charges for 2019, Captain Thomas said he will recommend an increase based on RPI, no significant increases are expected. The Chairman asked for questions on Captain Thomas report: Mike Carter asked if the Brazen Island project would be able to alleviate pressure on Penmarlam for space. Captain Thomas said that although No. 2 slipway had been primarily reinstated to aid

3 the repair to No.1 slipway, it will also allow FHC to better utilise the space at Brazen Island. There are competing demands for the space but following significant investment, the site needs to generate some income, there are opportunities for boat storage but some have the associated costs of specialist plant. Mike Carter asked about the improved electricity supply to Penmarlam and whether there would be more shore lighting. Captain Thomas said it is the electric hook-ups which will be improved and no additional site lighting is planned. Chris Ogg asked if there were plans to increase the capacity of Albert Quay or Berrills Yard pontoons for tenders. Captain Thomas said FHC recognise there is an issue with small boats on the inside of the pontoons and it is difficult to police. There are no immediate plans to change the configuration of these pontoons but welcomed any ideas from users on this issue. It is hoped that when Caffa Mill is devolved a small pontoon might be situated there but this project would be at least 5 years away. Chris Ogg commented that RFYC are interested in extending their pontoon but without piling there can be no increase in capacity. BRAZEN ISLAND Captain Thomas gave an update on the Brazen Island project which is now well underway, it is a major project for FHC with a significant financial commitment. The project will repair the main slipway bringing it back to a state which is fit for purpose. Captain Thomas explained that formerly Brazen Island had 3 slipways, 2 of which were filled in during the 1980s to provide more dockside space but over time there has been subsidence and it could no longer be used under load. The cradle and rails on the main slipway had also deteriorated. The cost of slipping all the FHC vessels elsewhere for maintenance was considered but at 300K per year, the Board decided the investment in this 1M project was justified. The project is on schedule to complete the construction phase by the end of November and the cradle construction will be complete in December. The reinstatement of No.2 slipway is complete and it has already been tried and tested by the concrete lorries for the No.1 slipway repairs. Being able to do it in this way made the project viable as bringing the numerous concrete lorries to site via Polruan would have been inconvenient and difficult. Work early in the project to break up the old slipway surface did result in some noise complaints from local residents. The low tide works are obviously an essential part of the project and FHC would like to pass on their thanks to residents for their understanding during these essential works which will secure the future of Brazen Island for the next generation. John Barker asked if the FHC tugs can be maintained at Brazen Island. Captain Thomas replied that they are not able to be slipped due to their draft but all other FHC vessels and other assets such as pontoons and floats can use Brazen Island. Jeremy Crapp asked if outside work would be considered on the slip. Captain Thomas said the slipway would be capable but will be utilised by FHC for at least 85% of the time, it might be considered though. FHC s 150 th YEAR ANNIVERSARY Captain Thomas said that FHC was formed in 1869 and will celebrate 150 years in The Board would like to mark the occasion and reinforce the concept of its custodianship as a Trust Port with profits reinvested in the port for the benefit of its users and community. FHC have created a book to celebrate the role they have played in shaping the river and its communities. It s not a book about the history of FHC though, the book will take the reader on a journey from the source of the river to the sea. It s full of pictures and small pieces of information. The book will be launched at the Fowey Christmas market later in November and will be priced at FHC will continue to hold their Harbour Open Day in September where their vessels will be open to the public, sadly it was cancelled this year due to bad weather.

4 Captain Thomas said he d welcome any other ideas to mark the occasion. The Chairman suggested an event in Regatta Week. PROPOSED MUSSEL FARMS IN LANTIVET BAY Mike Carter raised this issue to the group following concerns from Lanteglos Parish Council and local residents who felt that the proposed site is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is an important area for recreation. Captain Thomas explained that the proposed sites are between Pencarrow and Udder Rock and extending up to 1.5 miles offshore. There have been 2 applications made to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for marine licences by 2 separate companies. The proposed site is outside the area of jurisdiction for FHC but they have objected to the proposals on the following grounds which are based on issues which are their responsibility rather than general aesthetics: - Navigational safety both commercial and recreational, the proposed site would lie directly along traffic routes. There would be an increased risk of vessel entanglement in gear. - Relocation of fishing and other activities to other areas the area would be closed to other users causing them to have to move elsewhere. - Exposure of the site risk of losing gear in bad weather and resulting in entanglement and clean-up costs. The anchoring system has also been questioned as one is proposing screw anchors which would be left in the seabed after the end of the project. - Proximity to dredge disposal site - dredging activity has been occurring in Fowey for decades and is critical to the viability of the port. There could be a potential conflict with the mussel farm as mussels are filter feeders and could be affected by suspended sediments. Karen Toms commented that the RYA had been consulted, they then consult with local sailing clubs in Fowey, Looe and Plymouth. They had objected to the first application on the grounds of navigational safety and lack of information and are likely to make similar objections to the second application which was submitted more recently. Chris Ogg commented that the Crown Estate have already given the area permission as they are the seabed owners. There are secondary issues with safety as in the St Austell Bay site where there is not adequate lighting or markers. John Pollard said there are social/employment opportunities to consider against environmental and safety impacts. David Johns enquired about mussel farming in the estuary and the redundant racks on the foreshore at Wisemans, Captain Thomas said that the foreshore there is leased from FHC and not currently in use due to closures because of water quality. John Barker expressed concern about mussel shells being dumped under No.3 jetty. Captain Thomas said this had been reported to the Environment Agency and Lloyd Pinckston said that Imerys had also been involved as the site owner and Fowey Shellfish Company have changed their practices. STAKEHOLDER S FEEDBACK David Johns (Golant Quay Users) asked about Pacific Oysters Claire Hoddinott updated that working with Natural England (NE) and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, volunteers were trained earlier this year in monitoring and control methods. This is a seasonal activity due to the reproductive cycle of the species and control can take place been October and May. Volunteers will be targeting specific areas over the coming months. Natural England are using their funding to look into potential uses and markets. Captain Thomas added that there are logistics and costs involved in removal of larger quantities but they are a health and safety issue.

5 David Johns also commented that a hovercraft had been used in the upper estuary this year to take samples. Claire Hoddinott said this was for routine monitoring of the estuary s habitats by Natural England and the Environment Agency with core samples being taken to assess the diversity of invertebrates living in the sediments. FHC have requested the data once available. Patrick Hughes (Fowey Town Council) expressed concern from residents of large lorries using Passage Lane. Lloyd Pinckston said that when rock salt is transported for Cornwall Council they have been sending vehicles that are too big to use the private road, especially the Pinnock Tunnel, and therefore have to use Passage Lane. There are also bagged china clay cargoes which have to use the public road. They try to keep these movements to times when the roads are quiet but there will always be conflict. Lloyd added that there had been less issues reported now the double yellow lines are in place. Captain Thomas reiterated the importance of the road infrastructure to the viability of the port and thinks this issue needs to be recognised in the Fowey Neighbourhood Plan and reflected in DfT s Port Connectivity and Infrastructure study. Patrick also asked about the flood defence proposals from the Environment Agency (EA) on Town Quay to increase the quay wall height to prevent overtopping. Captain Thomas said that the temporary barriers, although successful are a regional resource and will be prioritised to areas that need them most so Fowey can t rely on them. With future sea level rise predicted, a more permanent solution has been discussed to raise the height of the quay walls. The preferred option was to use toughened glass on top of a low wall so that people could still enjoy the views but this was expensive and the feedback has gone back to the EA for their consideration. John Pollard (Mixtow Residents) asked if there was still a desire to extend Penmarlam into the adjacent field. Captain Thomas said that outline planning was secured a few years ago but a financial agreement couldn t be made with the landowner. FHC still have the aspiration to do this but the deal needs to be right. The proposal would not just be to increase capacity for boats but also extend parking facilities, something which the site currently lacks. Jeremy Crapp (Fowey Gig Club) expressed his concerns for safety at Caffa Mill slipway. Captain Thomas reiterated his concerns too but also frustration that users launch boats at Caffa Mill and do not pay Harbour Dues, when others launching elsewhere do. Peter Robinson (Fowey Tourist Information) enquired about cruise liners for 2019, Claire Hoddinott said the calendar was available on the FHC website. Peter said that they had been working on some local excursions to keep passengers in the town. He hopes to be able to offer these in advance to cruise companies. Chris Ogg stated that there would be no Red Arrows to Fowey in 2019, Captain Thomas confirmed that the Red Arrows are to be out of the UK for July and August for a tour of USA and Canada, which will affect other regattas too. Captain Thomas said that the revitalised Regatta Committee are being innovative though and coming up with alternatives following the success of the Red Devils this year. ANY OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be on Wednesday 3rd April 2019 at 1400 in the Harbour Office There being no further business, the meeting closed at 1525