Gweek Quay Boatyard, Gweek, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6UF.

Restoration of Inter Tidal Habitat and Associated Site Works

Planning Application Ref: PA12/11293

You may be aware that Gweek Quay Boatyard has recently made a Planning Application in connection with the Southern end of its site, where it extends into the River Helford.

Followers of the yard’s history will recall that, under the previous ownership, land at the Southern end of the yard was extended, and levels raised, over a number of years. A number of houseboats are now moored adjacent to this area. It was subsequently determined that this “made up” ground required planning permission, which, following a lengthy Appeal by the previous owners, was not granted. The relevant land is currently the subject of an Enforcement Notice. It now falls upon us to remove a substantial amount of what has been created, and to legalise what remains, by seeking formal Planning Consent.

This application is being made at the end of over a year of preparation and consultation, since our purchase of the Boatyard.  During this time, a substantial effort has been made to find a way to deal with the issues surrounding the outstanding Enforcement Notice, on a basis that would be acceptable to the local Community, River Users, Environmental Regulators and Cornwall Council.

To this end, a series of meetings have been undertaken to allow all these stakeholders to become more knowledgeable about the site, and understand how the site can be re-configured to broadly meet the requirements of the Enforcement Notice, whilst securing the future prospects of the boatyard and a significant number of skilled workers in and around Gweek.

The following organisations and groups have been contacted and meetings held to discuss the proposals:

• Cornwall Council Planning Department
• The Environment Agency
• Natural England
• Gweek Parish Council
• The Helford River Association

The principal stakeholders, the Environment Agency and Natural England, are supportive of the application.  Letters to this effect are contained within the application documents.

The proposed works and key aims for Gweek Quay (some key aims fall outside the scope of the application) can be summarised as follows:

1. Works will result in an increase of 1300 sqmetres of Inter Tidal Habitat within the Helford River, welcomed by both the Environment Agency and Natural England. Inter Tidal Habitat is an area of marsh or mudbank that dries at Low Water but is flooded at High Water.
2. The above will be achieved via the recovery of approximately 2000 cubic metres of material from the area to the south of the yard, currently comprising a spit and causeway. In this area the majority of tipped rubble, hardcore and some dredged material will be excavated and used to infill the existing inner harbour that is of poor amenity and ecological value.
3. Works will be undertaken according to a Code of Practice endorsed by the Environment Agency for the management of waste which seeks to find beneficial end-uses for waste material which would otherwise need to be disposed off site.
4. A recent ground investigation using borehole sampling has not found any evidence of contamination in the subject area. Further testing is planned prior to commencement of works. Any material found to be contaminated will be removed off site rather than used for infill. Newly exposed surfaces at finished ground levels will be random tested to ensure that there is no evidence of contamination.
5. Works will achieve an on site volumetric balance of material recovered and re-used, i.e. the quantity of material excavated will roughly fill the volume of space available in the inner harbour. This will minimise the generation of lorry movements to and from Gweek.
6. Works will restore a more ordered land form to the present visually unappealing Southern seaward edge of the site, with the construction of a properly engineered quayside and quay wall, more in keeping with a boatyard, which will provide future containment of soils.
7. Houseboat moorings will be relocated to the new quay wall and houseboat lengths will be restricted to 20 metres in this area. It is intended to review houseboat mooring policy, introducing a new mandatory 5 year hull condition survey, as well as ensuring that all houseboats are maintained in thoroughly good condition. Further, it is intended to provide a mobile pump out facility for all foul waste - again this scheme will be mandatory for all houseboats moored at Gweek Quay.
8. Proposals will provide additional area for boat storage in lieu of existing poor quality inner harbour mooring area. The yard will continue to encourage traditional wooden boat building skills and safeguard employment, in addition to boat storage and the maintenance of boats using the Helford River.  It is anticipated that three new - build wooden boat projects will go ahead at Gweek Quay during 2013, creating additional employment prospects for traditional skills as well as building on the rich tradition that the yard enjoys.
9. Works will be carried out around Low Water and only during the summer months. It is anticipated that works can be completed during one summer, likely to be 2013 or 2014.

10.  It is not anticipated that the works will cause any significant disruption to those using or working at the Boatyard, nor to neighbours in the Village or those using the River.

11.  The yard has commenced a programme of clearing derelict vessels and removing many years of assorted debris. The yard recognises the need to be a good neighbour, given its setting at the heart of the village and at the head of the River.

Details of the application (Planning Application Ref: PA12/11293)may be inspected on line at http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/ . Documents include a Planning Statement, Design and Access Statement, Environmental & Development Method Statement.

It is recognised by all Stakeholders that, under these planning proposals, there now exists a real opportunity to bring a long period of uncertainty at Gweek to a close, substantively address the environmental matters at the heart of the Enforcement Notice, and provide a fresh start for Gweek Quay Boatyard under it’s new ownership. We are happy to meet with any individuals or groups who would like a guided tour of the site area, as well as to answer any questions that may be raised. Please do not hesitate to contact us either at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phoning 01326 221657

We would stress that the proposed works will take place during the summer months and only in the very southern part of the yard. Works will not affect the day to day running of the yard nor the usual busy laying up season. We look forward to seeing you at Gweek during 2013.

Yours sincerely,

Ashley Butler                                    Rory Fitzwilliams

GWEEK QUAY Ltd.