Posted on August 24, 2026
Jayne Kirkham MP has revealed that she has raised concerns about the environmental modelling behind the proposed dredging as part of the Falmouth Docks redevelopment plan.
The MP for Truro and Falmouth released a statement today (August 21) in response to calls for her to intervene in the proposed work, which would see areas of the port deepened to allow larger ships to enter.
Ms Kirkham, a long-running advocate for developing the Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) sector in Falmouth, stressed that any work “must be done in an environmentally safe way.”
“Our natural marine environment is precious and must be protected,” she added.
Ms Kirkham attended a public meeting about the issue on Monday (August 17), which saw around 300 people squeeze into The Cornish Bank, including fishermen, environmental campaigners and a spokesman for dock owner Balaena.
In her statement, Ms Kirkham said: “There were issues raised about tidal flow models and measurements in the report, and the screening of the dredged area, which concerned me and which I have raised.”
Balaena’s £1.3 million environmental assessment, which has gone to regulators including the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) uses tidal data which sometimes differs from admiralty charts.
Jayne Kirkham MP is a long-running advocate for building Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) infrastructure in Falmouth
Regulators have reportedly asked for further information from the developer, including additional testing of the sediment due to be moved during the project.
Critics of the proposed redevelopment argue that the dredging could uncover toxic heavy metals in the sediment and release plumes of silt, severely impacting marine wildlife.
Ms Kirkham added: “I am not the decision-maker on Falmouth Docks.
“We have regulators that we set up to judge whether marine development can be done safely.
“They make the decisions on these cases, not politicians.
“The MMO turned down the last Falmouth dredge application nearly 20 years ago because it affected the bay and would impact the marine environment.
“This time the MMO are lead regulators and will be coordinating the regulators’ responses with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
“Closer collaboration should prevent delays and reduce unnecessary costs, without slippage of environmental standards.”
The redevelopment proposals include dredging to allow larger ships to enter the harbour, including cruise ships and vessels supporting FLOW infrastructure.
However, members of the Fal fishing community are worried about the consequences of dredging without proper precautions being taken.
Paddy Vinnicombe, a sixth-generation oyster fisherman, said: “If they are going to go ahead with this dredge, then they need to make sure that it’s tightly sealed.
“A five percent error could kill off the last natural oyster fishery in the country.”
“It’s been here for hundreds of years and it’s just starting to take off again.
“If this happens, we won’t be able to carry the torch forward.”
Jayne Kirkham MP also called for greater community engagement by planners and regulators to address concerns from the community, many of whom complained that they were unaware of the proposals, despite them being on display for a year.
Jayne Kirkham MP answered questions about her support for renewing the docks, including her enthusiasm for offshore wind, at the crowded meeting on August 17
Ms Kirkham argues that the revamp – including dredging a new, deeper berth – is necessary for allowing FLOW infrastructure to be assembled in Falmouth, boosting the local economy, providing skilled jobs, and helping the UK reach net zero targets.
Ms Kirkham said: “The development of Falmouth docks could be a key pillar in unlocking Cornwall‘s massive renewables potential.
“Floating offshore wind and critical minerals are essential in supporting the UK’s transition away from a fossil fuel-based economy.
“Agreements are already in place to do this, but the necessary infrastructure is not.”
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Calling for increased investment in the area, she said: “Falmouth has always been a place that turns its face to the sea in so many ways.
“Falmouth Docks have been vital for Falmouth’s economy and workforce for hundreds of years.
“We need them to continue to adapt and grow, but they must do this without adversely impacting our environment.”
Drystan Jones, director of port development at Balaena, told the meeting: “We are on exactly the same page – we do not want any damage to happen.
“These are issues for the regulators to enforce and us to comply with,” he added.
The development requires planning permission from Cornwall Council for land-based works, including repairing aging infrastructure, and a marine licence from the Marine Management Organisation for dredging works below the waterline.
Up to 643,000 cubic metres of sediment – the volume of 20,000
