The Helford River is a Special Area of Conservation

Crews on 18 boats based in the Helford River have had to load catches into punts and paddle to shore to transfer fish boxes into vehicles.

Plans have been approved for the 66m (215ft) jetty and a concrete road along the foreshore in Helford Creek.

The plans had been opposed by some residents who were worried about disruption and environmental damage.

It will be a great asset, not just for fishermen, but also the local community David Muirhead - Cadgwith, Helford and District Fishermen's Society

The 18 boats employ about 30 people and have a combined income of more than �1m.

The boat crews argued using punts to bring catches ashore was a difficult and dangerous operation.

The plans have been approved by Kerrier District Council but they had been criticised by many residents.

There were more than 100 letters of objection complaining about the visual impact, raising doubts about the need of the jetty and road, and expressing concerns about increased traffic.

The chairman of the Cadgwith, Helford and District Fishermen's Society, David Muirhead, said that work would be carried out to make sure the facilities blended in with the area.

Vital aspect

He said: "It will be a great asset, not just for fishermen, but also the local community. It's going to benefit objectors as much as it is us."

It is also hoped the development will also allow better access for people with disabilities, who will be able to use the ferry across the Helford and disembark at the new jetty.

The project's backers said they still had to carry out some detailed negotiations with council officers before work could start on the foreshore.