Controversial Cornish pier has heritage status upgraded
The historical status of a Cornish pier at the centre of a bitter planning row has been upgraded by the Government to make it one of the country’s most important harbours.
Building watchdog English Heritage advised the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles to elevate the South Pier in Penzance from Grade a II to Grade II* listing.
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South Quay, Penzance
A report by English Heritage said the South Pier is “amongst the best preserved of early Cornish harbours” and that “compared with the majority of highly-graded harbours, the historical significance of Penzance is particularly high”.
The move has invigorated campaigners opposed to the plans drawn up by the Route Partnership, which is made up of Cornwall Council, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and the Duchy of Cornwall.
Ministers are currently considering whether or not to allow the £44 million terminal to be built on Battery Rocks beach, which will link the mainland with the Isles of Scilly.
John Maggs, of The Friends of Penzance Harbour, said: “We really want the upgrade in status of the pier to persuade the Government to reject these plans or at the very least give us a public inquiry.
“If the plans go ahead then a significant chunk of the wall on the seaward side closest to the headland will be buried.
“This is one of the oldest parts of the wall and will be hidden from view. The development would also see large parts of the parapet wall demolished to allow lorry access to the terminals.”
Funding is currently on hold while the Government carries out a review of national spending. Since the plans were first revealed to the public in September 2008 the row between both parties has escalated to boiling point.
After Cornwall councillor Graeme Hicks branded campaigners a “despicable mob”, an inquiry was launched by Standards for England board who found he had made an “unreasonable and excessive personal attack”.
Mr Maggs yesterday declined to comment on the report’s findings. A spokesman for the council, said: “The project will importantly safeguard the pier’s long term future by enhancing its protection against storm damage and the effects of rising sea levels.
“The possibility of the South Pier being upgraded was always taken into account as part of the planning process and Cornwall Council members were advised to consider the application as though the pier had already been awarded two star status. We welcome the decision by English Heritage as we hope this clarification will lead to a prompt decision by the Government Office West Midlands to confirm planning approval.”
Graeme Hicks said: “I am pleased that the ethical standards officer reached the conclusion that no further action was necessary.”
6 Comments
by Dick Cliffe, True Friends of Pz & IOS, Penzance
Saturday, July 03 2010, 3:10PM
“Re: M Dale and majority against.
The project might be controversial but majority public opinion in Penzance is firmly in favour of the project with many questioning what all the fuss is about. Having assisted with the gathering of over 3000 signatures and spoken to over 600 people shopping in Penzance I know this to be so. A large section of the local population distrust what FoPH claim and dispise their methods. Many loath their arrogance as self appointed authorities on the Towns future - both environmental and economic. That is not to say that objectors have not been very well organized and made a very big impact passing themselves off as representing majority opinion in Penzance (until rumbled on this matter).
Lobbying to get South Pier regraded is clearly a coup for FoPH but as we have seen with Mullion Harbour listing is not enough - harbours are expensive to maintain and if they are not working harbours it is difficult to justify the expense. The National Trust has been forced to give up on Mullion Harbour - it is just to expensive to maintain. Nobody wants that future for Penzance. Option A pushes that dire outcome 50 years into the future.”
by Onan Hag All, Kernow
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 11:39AM
“Good one, this proves that when us Cornish band together the Imperial English state will bow to our demands. Cornish campaigners have fought long and hard to secure this victory. Kernow bys vyken!”
by Mark Huges, St Agnesl
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 9:38AM
“No good asking Eric Pickles anything,he's far to busy eating pies,(or pasties).”
by Rob, Penzance
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 12:30AM
“Good news hopefully this will force the powers to be to utilise the existing harbour facilities, and finally put to bed their unnecessary Route A fiasco.”
by Stu, Newlyn
Tuesday, June 29 2010, 11:03PM
“If the same attitudes as the so called "Friends of Penzance Harbour" had prevailed in the 1800's when the plans for the original South pier were unveiled, then I doubt there would be a harbour there to fight over. God knows what the outcry would have been when the railway was built along Eastern Green Beach.
Cornwall is not a time capsule here solely for the benefit of the tourists and the retired, its built on a proud history of industry, trade and commerce, sadly that is all passing (past) now and attempts to reinvigorate it are fought at every turn. Soon (now) the only option for the young in Cornwall will be to "sign on" or leave.
And for the record, Battery rocks is not a beach! If your idea of fun is to sit on sharp wet gravel with the sound of constant road noise behind you, then perhaps you should holiday in Eastborne.”
by M Dale, Penzance
Tuesday, June 29 2010, 10:40PM
“It is unnecessary to begin the personal attacks on Mr Maggs. A large majority of local people, including Mr Maggs, had valid reasons to object to the possibility of 'Option A'.”