Request for Pre-application Advice

OPTION PZ - PENZANCE HARBOUR, PENZANCE, CORNWALL

Thank you for consulting us over the plans for the above site. On the basis of thelatest information about the proposals, received by us on and detailed below, I offerthe following advice.

Summary

The proposals are for:

• the restoration / repair of the grade listed II listed South Quay
• the demolition of the existing Meadery / Green Shed building and its replacement with a new terminal building
• a linear extension of the South Quay

We have also been provided with information:

• discussing possible alternatives for future sea defences
• suggesting some works to the North Arm
• suggesting the possibility of integrating the proposals with wider initiatives in the area (such as the Coinagehall Site), to reinforce the Harbour as a "destination"

The proposals affect the grade II listed Quay, the setting of a number of listed structures and are within Penzance Conservation Area.

English Heritage Advice

We welcome the proposals to restore / repair the historic Quay. We do not object to the principle of the demolition of the Meadery / Green Shed building, nor to the proposed design of the terminal building. A robust and well detailed building would not be out of place in such a setting, although the detailing of signage, hard-landscaping, etc will contribute significantly towards the success of any proposals.

Previous studies indicate that the original harbour activities of Penzance may have taken place on the natural foreshore of the area beneath the Meadery / Green Shed. Subsequent harbour facilities and slipways may have been built on the foreshore and may well be contained below the current buildings. We would, therefore, recommend that any proposals avoid significant foundations or ground-works which may impact on potential buried archaeology. Where such unavoidable impacts might occur, we would expect to see an assessment of archaeological potential and adequate mitigation works.

Subject to appropriate detailing and materials we do not object to the linear extension to South Quay. With regards to the possible alternative approaches to the future sea defences around South Quay/Penzance Harbour, we welcome the intention to examine alternatives to mass rock-armour. We do not object to the principle of increasing the height of the lower areas of the sea-wall, to counteract over-topping; but clearly the proposed height, detailing / section of the wall and materials will be determining factors when assessing the acceptability of specific proposals. As the statement accompanying the pre-application request notes, there has been a long history of extending the length and height of the pier and sea-wall.

We would like to point out the possibility of a jointly funded EH / Cornwall Council study on historic coastal assets is at the very early stages of discussion. Whilst it may consider how historic structures could be modified to address issues caused by climate change, the precise scope and funding for such a study has not yet been formally agreed. Some works to the North Quay are indicated on one drawing, but there is insufficient detail to be able to offer a view on these works. They do not appear to be central to the proposal to locate both the passenger and freight handling facilities in a new building on the site of the Meadery.

The proposals also indicate an intention to link the new terminal with wider development and initiatives in the harbour area, to create complimentary destinations. Whilst these intentions are not set out in detail as part of these proposals and we, therefore, are not in a position to offer detailed comments, we welcome the intention to integrate the proposals with the existing townscape and to reinforce the character of the harbour. We welcome the intention of the proposals to give due regard to the historic buildings and structures of the harbour area, and the wider historic townscape of Penzance.

Recommendation

English Heritage has long supported the principle of improved transport links between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly, and we welcome the principle aspects of these proposals, which build on the historic character of the harbour area.

We welcome the repair and restoration of the listed South Quay and the proposal to provide a new terminal building in a manner which does not harm the historic environment. We also welcome the intention to integrate the proposals into the wider area.

We do not object to the linear extension of South Quay, nor to the principle of works to the existing sea-wall if these can be shown to address issues of over-topping. We would welcome involvement in future discussions on a considered and incremental approach to addressing issues raised by climate change, as they relate to this area of Penzance Harbour. The above advice is the response that we would offer if the same proposals were put forward for statutory approvals. Thank you for involving us at the pre-application stage.

We hope that our advice has helped in the development of your project.

Yours sincerely

Simon Ramsden

Team Leader/Historic Environment Advisor

SOUTH WEST REGION