Plans have been lodged for a new 145-berth leisure marina on the Isle of Wight.
The Cowes Harbour Commission is seeking permission for a development including 145 floating berths arranged across pontoons, a 142m fixed access walkway and a main pontoon area measuring 120m x 220m.
A Design and Access statement from Rainey Petrie Architecture says the number of berths, which would be located in Cowes Harbour and accessed from the eastern bank of the River Medina in East Cowes, has been ‘independently assessed’ by the applicant.
This total is based on current harbour usage, predicted future demand and a ‘strategic desire’ to attract larger vessels to East Cowes, the document says.
The marina is intended for both private annual berth holders and visiting vessels and would support a wide range of leisure craft.
Rainey Petrie Architecture said there will be ‘no discharge’ to the environment and mentioned the provision of a pump-out system.
A pump-out system removes sewage from boat holding tanks to prevent coastal pollution.
“The proposed marina delivers high-quality, resilient, modern marine infrastructure that enhances the East Cowes waterfront and strengthens the town’s maritime role,”
Article continues below this advertisement “It supports tourism, encourages larger vessels, improves public access, and aligns with local and national planning policy. The proposal preserves the character and setting of Bells Landing, Victoria Barracks, and the Guardhouse.
“Overall, the marina represents a well-integrated, long-term asset for East Cowes, Cowes Harbour, and the wider boating community.”
The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on application 26/00159/FUL closes on 21st April and a decision is scheduled for 22nd June.
The news comes as work begins on Albany Green in East Cowes – the access point for the new proposed marina.
No account taken for the local boaters who need affordable swinging moorings. Marinas everywhere have a history of being filled up with expensive yachts that never seem to move but do make the marina owners a lot of money. Surely this is the only driving force behind this plan.
Ryde marina being the exception. Costing council tax payers £178000.00 per year.
Council tax biggest con since Poll tax!
Majority of the money pays for council
employees pensions.
Interesting that the application has been, quote, “independently assessed’ by the applicant”.
what does that mean?
Depends on the size of the back hander, things never
change.
Can we at least have a walk over bridge for people if we have to tolorate that archaic floating thing.
So pleased East Cowes is being updated
So easy to build, obviously don’t use Island Roads though
you want to be able to use it.
Lol
Interesting regarding pollution inasmuch as very few yachts have sewage holding tanks and discharge straight into the sea
Perhaps a 145 bed hospital,dental care & respite centre opposite St Mary,s would be more beneficial to the IOW so we at least get a bit of value for our council tax !!!
Very true, that means saving lives and making
it possible for people to live much longer.
While we are excited to see the progress at Albany Green, we must ensure application 26/00159/FUL prioritizes the Island’s sailing community over just becoming a seasonal ‘boat park’. With a 50-year design life, this marina should be a working heart for East Cowes, not just a storage facility for vessels that sit idle 90% of the year. We urge the Commission to focus on the existing local waiting list for walk-ashore berths rather than prioritising ‘larger vessels’ that offer little to the town’s daily maritime life. Let’s put the locals first and let tourism be the added benefit, not the main driver