50-tonne dry dock crane 'will appear on the skyline but not obscure views'

A permanent 50-tonne crane planned as part of a regeneration of Penzance dry dock will not obscure views of historical assets in a conservation site, say those behind it.

Penzance Maritime Holdings Ltd is proposing to regenerate Penzance dry dock on Wharf Road with a number of measures.

This includes the installation of a permanent 50-tonne crane, which it says will appear on the skyline but will not obscure views of the conservation site and historical assets in nearby Chapel Street.

The crane, a Goliath or Gantry design on steel rails, would reach the whole of the dry dock and beyond, and would rise around a third above the existing ridge height of neighbouring workshops.

A planning statement says: "In key views the top of the gantry will appear in the skyline but will not obscure views of conservation site assets in Chapel Street. The crane is likely to become a landmark and is necessary to the survival and growth of business at the dock."

An artist's illustration of the proposed crane at Penzance Dry Dock (Image: Penzance Maritime Holdings)

It adds: “Not only is the crane appropriate to the maritime environment and future of the business, its impact is considered to be neutral to no more than minor to the group value of listed buildings, in order to conserve the maritime character of the conservation area.”

The crane would mean that ship parts would not have to be moved on the road and around to the other side of the facility. “This will minimise the impact to day to day life around the ship yard and prevent road closures,” says the statement.

Other proposed work includes the demolition of the existing, disused and dangerous/condemned carpenter’s workshop and its replacement with a building of the same mass, height and volume. There would also be like for like repair of staff and training facilities / offices and replacement of the office roof.

The application states that these buildings date to the mid-19th century and make an important contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area but are in poor condition and proposed restoration will offer opportunities to conserve and enhance the historic environment as well as provide a welcoming environment for visitors.

The plans also include the restoration of the dry dock gates and replacement of the main gates with a new gate on rollers to maximise safe access.

For more details see application PA24/02682 on the council’s planning portal.