Fowey Today

Emergency expenses for eclipse outlined

Eclipse plans have been outlined to Restormel councillors as the build-up to the big event next Wednesday continues.

It has been estimated that services in the county, such as water supply and roads, can only accommodate in the order of 1.3-1.5 million people at any one time, compared with a normal capacity of 750,000-800,000 residents and visitors in peal August periods.

However, councillors heard that current bookings/enquiries suggest that these numbers will not materials, although much depends on last minute weather predictions and hype in the national media.

It has been arranged that aerial photographs will be taken during the Eclipse period at a cost of £2,500. These will enable the council to work with the Inland Revenue to ensure compliance with rating/taxation obligations, monitor sites to ensure compliance with caravan/camping planning consent conditions, and monitor the need for such sites from a tourism point of view.

Members were given information on the temporary caravan and camping sites which had been received approval by the planning committee, and there was some concern about whether sufficient spaces had been provided in the St Austell/Fowey area. Following a survey undertaken by the planning department it was felt many initial enquirers who had been advised that planning permission would not be required, had decided not to pursue the idea of providing temporary camp sites.

Action required to protect council land which might be at risk from travellers or other groups who might wish to set up temporary camp sites is estimated to cost £26,940.

Details were given of additional emergency parking areas which had been identified in the Fowey/St Austell area.

Other items of Restormel expenditure include £3,000 for the purchase of radios to aid communication, £1,000 for the purchase of generators, £300 for the hire of motor bikes for easy transport, £30,000 for the provision of additional public toilets cleaning/staffing and £50,000 for additional refuse services.

It has also been confirmed that the Lifeguards Service, in the interest of safety, would raise the 'red flag' on council beaches between 10.13-11.30am on August 11, advising beach users not to swim or surf.

Rising tides bring call outs

Fowey lifeboatmen were called out twice in two days last week - on both occasions following reports of people being stranded by the tide.

On July 27 a child was said to be stranded on rocks at Gorran Haven. However, soon after being called out the Fowey lifeboat was recalled as locals had waded to the youngster's rescue.

On July 28 three revellers were reported cut off by the tide at Porthpean.

The Fowey lifeboat with senior helmsman Marcus Lewis and crewman Andy Mitchell reached Gribben Head before being recalled as the trio had managed to make their way to safety.

The last call out took place soon after a general warning to people about the danger of tides.

Council gives delegated backing

Plans given delegated approval by Restormel council include that by Cornwall county council to remove temporary lavatory buildings at Lostwithiel primary school and carry out internal alterations to provide lavatories and offices.

A covered link will be built linking in with adjacent buildings at the school, on Bodmin Hill.

Other proposals given the delegated go-ahead take in those by Larchfield Estates Ltd to convert St Monica's Chapel, Station Road, Fowey to a dwelling; by Mr and Mrs S E Cooper to erect a timber garden shed and extension to hardstanding at 4 Fimbarrus Road, Fowey; by Mr and Mrs R Bevan to remove an existing conservatory and construct a new one at Hillhead, Bodmin Hill, Lostwithiel; and by S Blacker and D Bence to convert a barn at Penventinue Farm, Fowey to a granny annexe/holiday cottage and construct a garage/store.

Site meeting for two storey home plan

Restormel councillors have been given details of a site meeting, held in Fowey, to discuss a plan to build a dwelling near Hanson Drive.

The application, by Mr and Mrs M Harrower, is for a two storey four bedroom house on a site on the western side of Gallants drive, close to its junction with Hanson Drive. It forms part of the curtilage of 41 Hanson Drive.

The main issues were impact in the street scene, the wider impact upon the landscape, the importance of the site to the character of the area and implications for neighbours.

The town council objected on the grounds that the site is too large for the site. However, the applicants advised that the site does not benefit the area and local residents would prefer to see it developed. Accompanying the applicants' letter were 25 letters of support from residents of Fowey, and the vicinity of the site. Two letters of objection had also been received, which spelt out loss of privacy, intrusion and the fact that a previous proposal for the land had been turned down.

The planning and building control meeting heard that compared with the previous scheme hardstanding on the frontage has been reduced and greater landscaping can be incorporated.

Nevertheless, the planning officers felt the land contribute 'to the spacious suburban character and appearance of this part of Fowey and is quite prominent in views over the site from Gallants Drive and Hanson Drive'. It was believed these views would be lost, as would its openness.

It was felt if councillors accepted the principle of the scheme, the size and design of the building should be subject to further negotiation - in particular regarding height.

Music evening

A music and meditation evening is to be held at St Fimbarrus church on August 10 at 9.30pm.

Running until l0pm the evening - one of a series - will include music, poems, readings and meditative prayer.

Town on video film

The videos are now available which have been organised by the Port of Fowey Chamber of Trade under the Leader project to promote the town.