Cornwall Harbours Board - 18 September 2025

The Cornwall Harbours Board formally approved the minutes of its 5 June 2025 meeting, with Councillor Channon moving and Councillor Rich seconding the resolution. The minutes were signed by the Chairman and the stakeholder‑meeting records from Penzance, St Ives and the Port of Truro were confirmed as having been shared with the Board in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding.

The Maritime Manager presented the 2024‑2025 Annual Report, noting an error on page 14 that has been forwarded to the production team, and highlighted the inclusion of an asset register for the first time. The Board approved the draft report for publication, agreed to place ten copies in the Members’ room, and resolved that a copy be sent to the Full Council and forwarded to all Councillors as the Duty Holder.

Subsequent activity reports covered the period January‑July 2025. Key points included the cessation of trading at the Café Barge in Bude Harbour, the appointment of a new Harbour Master at Newquay, growing interest from super‑yacht operators at Penzance Quay, and a proposal to extend water‑taxi services to non‑boat users pending demand. The Board noted the report and praised the Maritime Manager and his team for its quality.

Budget monitoring for April‑July 2025 was presented and approved, confirming the Harbour’s performance against budget and related reserve movements. The Board also endorsed the Truro Canoe Club’s pontoon project, agreeing to match‑fund the Canoe Foundation Grant, with the club purchasing the pontoon and transferring ownership to the Port of Truro for installation and maintenance. Conversely, the Bude Harbour Land Disposal report was deferred; a board member raised concerns about alternative options, and the Chair postponed further discussion until January 2026 to allow the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service to present its proposal.