Whilst everyone is entitled to an opinion, and indeed that's why there's a consultation process, however, some of the things being stated are just wrong or untrue, writes Chris Lisher, Yarmouth Harbourmaster.
Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners went through a long consultation process last winter and had a lot of response, and as a result amended the plans. In fact the 10 most frequently raised issues were all addressed in the revised proposal. We are now following the statutory process of planning permission and the necessary licences, having previously discussed our plans with all of the regulatory bodies. If all those permissions are granted we hope to carry out Phase One of the development before the 2011 season, so by Easter 2011.
It is being said that Yarmouth Harbour will become a dormitory for abandoned vessels. The people saying this have clearly not read the documentation nor have attended any of our meetings. The split of moorings between resident annual mooring holders and visitors will not change (it's about 250 of each).
The type of moorings will change, there are to be more walk ashore moorings both for residents and visitors. In planning berth allocation after Phase One of the development it is already clear that we won’t be able to meet the preferences all of the existing resident annual mooring holders and those on the waiting list who have asked for a walk ashore mooring, so there is significant demand from residents.
The rules for residents have not changed, they need to live within seven miles of Yarmouth Church. When we consider visitors, the number of berths stays the same but similarly there will be more walk ashore berths. About 90% of those who arrive at the harbour entrance ask for a walk ashore berth; there is great demand for this much more convenient type of berth. Some of our walk ashore berths are bookable over the internet and there is a growing demand for certainty of a walk ashore berth in Yarmouth.
Increasingly, yachtsmen and women want certainty of getting a berth in Yarmouth, and the provision of power and water to the berth as well as the convenience of being able to literally walk ashore without the need to use the harbour taxi service or a tender/dinghy. Those on a walk ashore pontoon can come and go as they please and can go into the town as many times as they want, clearly it's much more convenient than the buoys, piles, and other pontoon berths that we offer. I therefore find it very difficult to understand why some people are suggesting that the harbour development will have a negative impact on businesses in the town, when it appears that it will actually attract more visitors and make it easier for these visitors to get access to the town.
None of the objectors appear to address the fundamental issue that faces the Harbour Commissioners, for which indeed the Commissioners have a responsibility, which is to ensure the long term sustainability of the harbour and its assets. It is clear that significant costs are on the horizon for the harbour, those looming largest are further work on the pier, mostly the pier head, and a replacement breakwater.
We also have to take into account the current predictions for sea level rise which DEFRA are stating as about one metre by 2100. The Harbour Commissioners are endeavouring to be prudent, taking into account the long term and planning accordingly. In addition, the Harbour Commissioners are trying to reduce their reliance on a single customer, Wightlink, which is currently 40% of the harbour's income; this seems to be good risk management. Thirdly, we are responding to the vast majority of our customers who are demanding better facilities including walk ashore berths.
Suggestions that Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival will cease are just not true. Throughout its life this Festival has been actively supported by Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners. It is the biggest event in the calendar not only for the harbour, but also the town. Old Gaffers uses the harbour and much of the land controlled by the Harbour Commissioners; our employees assist in the set up of the event, we are active participants on the Committee, and furthermore donated £5,000 cash to the festival in 2010 to ensure it continued. The Harbour Commissioners will work with the Old Gaffers Committee to ensure the festival continues whatever the configuration of the harbour.
Yarmouth Harbour has changed over the years, but needs to continue to change if it is to survive. The Harbour Commissioners are well aware of the character of the harbour and are doing their utmost to preserve it whilst making the necessary changes in a sympathetic way to ensure the harbour and the town continue to be a destination of choice for yachtsmen and women on the south coast.
Chris Lisher
Chief Executive/Harbourmaster
www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk
Information on this marina and others on the south coast of th UK can be found On World Marine Guide
Isle of Wight Council website, Yarmouth Harbour Planning Application Isle of Wight Council website, Yarmouth Harbour Planning Application
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