The Falkland Islands Government have submitted a planning application for a new port facility in Stanley.

The application follows on from a series of stakeholder engagement, surveys and a demand study and, if built, would be the biggest capital project in the nation’s history.  

Documents published this week include site plans and further details on the design of the new port facility.

Final costings for the new port development have not been made public within these papers, with some members of the local community eager to understand how much the project is set to cost and how it will be financed before giving their approval.

An Environmental Impact Statement was also published as part of the planning application. The assessment explores a variety of factors and looks to mitigate any negative impact on the local environment.

One issue covered in this statement concerned the removal of the existing structure at FIPASS. A proposal has been put forward to remove and decontaminate the existing two barges onshore as opposed to sinking and scuttling the barges at sea.

The documents also include plans for new access routes along the bypass road, a diverted footpath around the existing FIPASS area and the construction of a temporary accommodation block. Local business Stanley Growers could be affected by the proposed development.

The detailed design stage 1b of the new port development explores the processes and logistics of removing the existing port and building the new structure. These plans are not finalised as yet, but little change to the overall design is expected.

A public display of information on the new port development planning application was held in the Malvina House Hotel conference room this week.

The planning application will be discussed at a Planning and Building Committee meeting in March. This meeting will be open to the public to attend. The application and supporting documents are now available for the public to access online via the FIG website.