Flushing public meeting shown design of proposed car park

Flushing Village Hall was packed with residents last Thursday (July 22) as the design voted on as the best option out of four by the parish council was put on display.

The meeting was chaired by Cllr John Symons and Mylor and Flushing Parish Council, because they wanted people to be in at the beginning of the discussion.

People heard from landscape architect Mike Hawes from Mei Loci about the design of the car park which would occupy a field near the Falmouth Boat Company yard at the end of its access road.

He told the meeting the car park would be constructed of a 'cellular retention system' made out of recycled plastics and be located at the bottom of the field with room for 100 spaces.

The design the meeting was discussing on the right

Parking problems have been growing in the village for many years with a number of car parking sites already rejected and the sheep field seen as the last throw of the dice.

But there was consternation amongst many people there when they were told by Cllr Rachael Pashley that one holiday company, Falmouth Holiday Homes and Flushing Holiday Cottages, has this statement on its website: "Many Cornish villages have become over crowded with tourists, but Flushing is much quieter, even during peak season, and it still benefits from a strong and vibrant community.

"Unlike Mevagissey, Fowey, Padstow, St Ives and similar towns, parking is usually available, and all parking in Flushing is free of charge."

Two vehicles parked on double yellow lines and the pavement opposite the Seven Stars at the junction of Kersey Road and Trefusis Road

The revelation was greeted with consternation by the audience.

"This is why we are angry. This is what they are promoting. Everywhere else charges," said Cllr Pashley.

There were also claims made that holidaymakers had been told by the owners of some holiday homes that if they parked on double yellow lines and got a ticket then the rental would pay the fine.

Cars were parked all along the verge of St Peter's Road with the blue van blocking the entrance to the pavement

The problems with parking were illustrated before the meeting with cars parked all the way along the verges at the entrance to the village down St Peter's Road, blocking a bus stop and vehicles parked on double yellow lines just outside the Seven Stars pub.

Concerns were raised about the construction of a car park in an area of outstanding natural beauty and who would be able to use it, whether it would be just visitors, locals or both.

Cllr Symons said all those type of things would have to discussed in the future but until they got the car park through Pre-App it was pointless discussing anything else.

He said they haven't submitted a pre-app yet but this was an opportunity for feedback and questions. He said the public would be consulted before any plans were submitted.

The proposed site of the car park

Kathy Berryman, whose property is on the corner of the access road, told the meeting that the approach road was too narrow and encroaching on her property.

"To me it's unsafe," she said. "People reverse along the road with multiple drops there everyday. Two cars are not going to pass in there unless you knock down my house and take away my property."

She also said people are still going to drive through the village to get through to the beach at the other end whatever they did.

One resident said his verges are regularly destroyed by people parking on them while Falmouth Boat Building Company owner raised concerns about access to his business for staff and customers. Another meeting to discuss the design is due to take place in Mylor Bridge tomorrow.

Falmouth Holiday Homes have been contacted for a comment.