2002 Hayle Harbour Hydrodynamic Modelling Report. Babtie Group
This report describes studies undertaken by Babtie Group Ltd on behalf of Penwith District
Council to assess estuarine and coastal processes at Hayle Harbour. A need was identified
at an early stage for mathematical modelling to investigate the impact of tides, currents and
waves on sediment transport mechanisms within the estuary extending into St.Ives Bay.
The modelling study was targeted to investigate:
• Rapid accretion of sediment in Hayle Harbour.
• Effect of dredging on sediment transport processes.
• Erosion and retreat of the Hayle Towan dune system.
• Reduction in level of Hayle Beach.
• Interaction between retreating dunes, lowered foreshore and current dredging activities
1978 Hayle Harbour Study - An Assessment of Probable Causes of Siltation and Possible Remedies. Bates
"At the risk of stating the obvious, it should be pointed out that the hydraulics of the
Estuary is complex and an accurate analysis would require a more detailed study than
time has allowed here. In consequence, general assumptions, based upon the author's
observations and experience have been necessary. Whilst these assumptions are
believed to be valid, they lack scientific confirmation.
The object of this report is to study one specific problem, namely the reducing water
depth at the harbour entrance. In the long term a much broader study of the entire tidal
system and its potential benefit to the community is indicated. The tidal lakes and
industrial relics which currently tend to spoil the area's aesthetic appeal, could, with
sympathetic treatment, become a significant recreational asset."
2005 Report on the Use of Compulsory Purchase at Hayle Harbour
"It is quite clear from the files that the District Council, the County Council,
English Partnerships (now the RDA), the Government Office and the local
people consider the regeneration of Hayle Harbour to be a major and
important project. The draft District Plan formalises this position. The project
will significantly assist the economic regeneration of the area, secure
existing jobs, promote environmental improvements and the restoration of
derelict land, encourage development onto brownfield sites, help to meet the
targets for new housing in the district, and promote tourism and leisure
opportunities for local residents and holiday makers. It will take pressure off
greenfield sites in the area for housing and commercial development. It is
adjacent to public transport. I therefore have no doubt that the project is of
sufficient importance to justify the use of compulsory purchase powers in the
public interest, if necessary."
"It was recognised at an early stage by the Planning Department of Penwith
District Council that a prerequisite of successful redevelopment along
these lines would be the minimisation of conflict between local, tourist
and the various commercial demands on the Estuary, and that decision
making in this respect would be best based upon a scientific
understanding of the Estuary and the processes active within it. In
December 1981 Sea Sediments were approached and asked to provide
specifications and provisional costings for a survey of the physical
environment."
