Cornwall Harbours Board - 13 November 2025

The meeting began with declarations of interest concerning item 6. Councillor Rogers and Nathan de Rozarieux each disclosed a non‑registerable interest as mooring holders in St Ives, while Drystan Jones declared an interest due to his employment with A&P at Falmouth Docks. The minutes of the Cornwall Harbours Board meeting held on 18 September 2025 were then moved by Councillor Channon, seconded by Councillor Alvey, and resolved to be correctly recorded and signed by the Chairman.

The Maritime Manager presented the Budget Monitor report for April 2025‑September 2025, noting ongoing repair work on the Bude Harbour breakwater and the forthcoming advertisement for a full‑time Maritime Assistant for Penryn and Prince of Wales Pier. A resolution moved by Councillor Channon and seconded by Councillor Gripper approved the harbour’s performance against budget and the associated reserve movements. Subsequent discussion of the 2026/27 budget for the Cornwall Harbours Board and Maritime Service led to a resolution, moved by Councillor Rich and seconded by Tony Gurd, recommending Council approval of the budgets outlined in Appendix 1.

The Board examined the Dues, Fees and Charges report for FY 2026/27. Highlights included a re‑branding of lay‑up moorings at the Port of Truro to “commercial moorings” and a market‑testing approach to ensure consistent, fair payments across harbours. The Maritime Manager also reported on a pilot to introduce QR‑code online payments for visitor moorings at St Ives. A resolution moved by Councillor Alvey and seconded by Geoff Wilson approved the fees and charges as detailed in Appendix 1.

The Newquay Harbour FaSS Funding report was approved, with the Board supporting the application and committing general reserve funds to match‑fund the project; this resolution was moved by Councillor Channon and seconded by Tony Gurd. The Bude Harbour Land Disposal item generated extensive debate involving the Chief Fire Officer, Assets Manager, and the local Member for Bude. An amendment proposing a ten‑year lease of the land for welfare services, with conditions on planning permission and cost, was moved by Councillor Rogers and seconded by Councillor Alvey but was defeated in the vote. Consequently, Councillor Rich’s motion, seconded by Councillor Channon, resolved that the decision be deferred pending a planning pre‑application by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service; the Board delegated authority to the Chairman to act on the matter if the application is unsuccessful.