Many Falmouthians of my generation with fond memories of the quays will be astounded to learn that the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) wish to build a new marina complex in the Custom House quay basin, writes David Barnicoat for In Port.

The organisation is destroying a way of life with this money-grabbing scheme to help towards paying off its pension liability repayments amounting to over £4 million.

FHC has examined every aspect of its business before embarking on several plans of action to save and make more money especially from its new leisure arm Falmouth Haven, which is responsible for moorings, marinas and car parking.

Custom House Quay, North Quay and King Charles Quay and their associated walls and steps are listed Grade II * under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.

The town quays are a distinctive part of Falmouth’s heritage and maritime history dating back to the 1670 when Sir Peter Killigrew had the quays built. This area rapidly became the focus of Falmouth’s burgeoning shipping trade with its newly built Custom House.

FHC said in a letter to boat owners that as well as increasing facilities it wished to regenerate the area around Customs House quay area.

Surely, FHC’s main priority as the “custodian” of these beautifully built 350-year-old structures, should be the on-going preservation and protection of our unique quays, their “Cornishness” and the delightful waterside ambience they create for all to enjoy, not the creation of another yachting appendage with the usual associated signage, gated access, lights and probably more CCTV stations.

How should this autocratic proposal by a group of unelected people be allowed to happen without any form of prior public consultation?

The only plus point of this FHC marina plan is the making of new berths for people who may have been on a waiting list for an outhaul for several years.

Up to 20 new outhauls are also planned between Custom House quay and Grove Place, behind Trago Mills, where in strong winds from the north and northeast it will be a hellfire corner for any small boats.

One would hope that FHC will encourage local boat owners with small craft and visitors to have a free berth for up to an hour to pick up passengers and do shopping as St Mawes and Fowey harbours allow. Others and myself have over the years proposed this idea to FHC only for it to fall on deaf ears.

The commissioners would win the hearts and minds of the town if they adopted a more sympathetic and understanding stance towards the public instead of remaining aloof.