Fresh hope for Penzance ferry link

Cornwall Council officers have recommended that plans for a new ferry terminal in Penzance be approved, ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss the Isles of Scilly link on Monday.

Last month councillors refused planning permission for the new terminal on Battery Rocks, known as Option A, after critics claimed it would ruin Penzance’s historic sea front.

However, in a report released yesterday, council officers have recommended that Option C (which includes a freight depot at Longrock) should not be pursued, and “that subject to the comments of English Heritage every effort is made to secure planning permission and listed building consent for Option A”.

The report also noted, however, should it not be possible to push through Option A, that alternatives of relocating the link to Falmouth be explored, to minimise further delays and to safeguard the sea link’s future.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, which currently operates the route, is fully behind Option. In a statement, chairman Andrew May said: “In our view a passenger and freight terminal adjacent to the South Quay in Penzance would offer the greatest opportunity for improving operating efficiencies.

“We respect the debate surrounding Option A for Penzance and await the outcome of the process to resolve the issue.

And with regards to siting the link in Falmouth, he added: “We have yet to hear an argument to persuade us of the merits of operating from any other port in Cornwall than Penzance.”