Archived decisions

Contact: Richard Exley, tel: 01489 576387

1. Summary

1.1 This report seeks the consent of the Executive Member for Environment to an application by the operators of Stone Pier Yard, Warsash, to extend `A' pontoon by a negotiated ten metres, as replacement berths.

1.2 The Harbour Authority is now in receipt of the cumulative consents of the other agencies and authorities to the application and the recommendation is that consent be granted.

2. Report

2.1 The owners and operators of the Yard have, since its acquisition and that of its associated Marina, made two applications and achieved consent to:

(i) replace a piled walkway with pontoon walkway;

(ii) increase authorised moorings afloat to 50 berths; and

(iii) introduce limited dry-sailing.

2.2 Following the completion of these projects, whilst a number of units achieved significant long-term tenants, the owners were obliged for both business and personnel reasons to place the management of the Marina and Boat Yard with a management company, Warsash Marine. This company has now refitted and reopened the fuel pontoon, with competitively priced marine-diesel and liquid petroleum gas available daily during extended hours. This facility has been welcomed by river users, including the local fishing fleet, which now no longer transfers fuel via cans at the Warsash jetty.

2.3 As a result of introducing this service, the operators have lost 24 metres of mooring with a consequential effect on their tenants, mostly yard-based boat repairers or builders, and some local residents.

2.4 Initially, application was rehearsed for 20 metres of pontoon extension. However, following discussion and negotiation regarding access, proximity to other moorings impacting on river safety and for environmental reasons, the application is for 10 metres (2 x 10 metre berths), to be secured by a driven pile.

2.5 The application has been circulated to and received the consent of the other relevant agencies and authorities. The proposal complies with the objectives of the mooring strategy.

2.6 There will be no subsequent increase in allocated berths, which remains at 50 vessels authorised to be moored afloat.

Recommendation

That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that Harbour Authority consent be granted, under Section 10 of the Southampton Harbour Act 1924 and Section 48 of the Southampton Harbour Act 1949, to Warsash Marine to extend `A' pontoon by ten metres, to be secured by a driven pile in accordance with the method statement agreed with the Environment Agency.

7699/RE