More walk-ashore berths sought
A number of key changes to Yarmouth Harbour on the Isle of Wight are on the horizon.
Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners seek to ‘optimise the water space within the harbour’ and ‘rationalise the current berthing arrangement’ to create more walk-ashore pontoon berthing for both residents and visitors.
The proposals, drawn up following feedback from harbour users, are separate to the scheme for the South West Corner which will provide dedicated facilities for the fishing fleet.
In the commissioners’ words, the proposals specifically address:
Moorings
The optimisation of the water space allows the introduction of a greater number of
walk ashore berths and a consequent reduction in pile and harbour moorings.
The layout will not increase the overall berth numbers and the aspiration is to maintain
visitor and resident berths at current levels – nominal capacity 300 berths
with an approximate 50/50 split of resident and visitor berths.
Pontoons
To maintain the visual character of the Harbour, all pontoon equipment will be of a similar
form to that currently present. There will be an increased provision of water
and electrical services to berths
Fuel Berth
The reconfiguration offers an ideal opportunity to address navigational concerns as
well as improving the infrastructure of the facility. The relocated fuel berth provides an increased number
of dispensing points and concentrates the associated vessel movements
immediately adjacent to the navigation channel.
Main Navigation Channel
The project will address the alignment of the channel through the Harbour and on to the
River Yar. The reconfiguration opens up the area to the north of the Inner
Harbour and creates clearer water space through which vessels can navigate,
also improving the lines of sight for skippers in the area.
RNLI Berth
The proposals seek to realign the RNLI berth to reduce the area of water required
for the lifeboat’s navigation, and to offer a better orientation for the RNLI
vessel to leave and return to the berth and generally makes better use of the
available water space.
Slipways
The proposals will considerably reduce the requirement for tenders to access the
harbour moorings as the vast majority of Inner Harbour berths will be walk
ashore. This therefore negates the need to maintain the slipway located to the
west of the Harbour Office. The two Public slipways within Yarmouth Harbour
will remain and continue to operate unhindered by the proposals.
Timetable:
26th Oct 2009 – 15th Jan 2010
Consultation Period
26th Oct 2009
YHC Meetings with Employees, Media and Local Bodies
3rd & 4th Nov 2009
Public Exhibition
10th & 11th Nov 2009
Public Exhibition
15th Jan 2010
Stakeholder consultation period closes
25th Jan 2010
Consultation report to the YHC Board
Feb – Apr 2010
Finalise plans
May 2010
Consent applications for Inner Harbour Reconfiguration Project submitted to Regulators
Works Period
Winter 2010/11
The public exhibitions are as follows:
Tuesday 3rd November from 10.00 hours to 16.00 hours at The Royal Solent Yacht Club, Yarmouth
Wednesday 4th November from 14.00 hours to 19.30 hours at The Royal Solent Yacht Club, Yarmouth
Tuesday 10th November from 14.00 hours to 19.30 hours at the Yarmouth Harbour Office
Wednesday 11th November from 10.00 hours to 16.00 hours at the Yarmouth Harbour Office Reception
