A controversial scheme to build a 145-berth leisure marina is due for a decision by the Isle of Wight Council next week, amid public concerns including pollution, parking and an increased risk of collisions.
Cowes Harbour Commission’s (CHC) revised plans for an area accessed from the eastern bank of the River Medina have the qualified support of East Cowes Town Council, but also prompted residents’ objections.
Earlier this year, Natural England warned of a likely ‘significant effect’ on the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a ‘permanent loss’ of SAC features.
SACs are areas designated by the government to protect habitats or species.
A fresh Planning Statement from the applicant’s agent, Rainey Petrie Architecture, said the ‘strategically significant’ marina project will deliver lasting economic, social and environmental benefits.
However, objecting on behalf of a resident, Plan Research claimed that dredging works had begun in advance of planning permission in the Solent Special Protection Area (SPA) – designated for wintering birds.
The consultancy told County Hall:
“The proposed marina would be a hazard to navigation in the Medina. Remarkably, the proposed marina location shown on the applicant’s latest plans is directly in the path of both Red Funnel’s East Cowes vehicle ferry and vessels launched from Wight Shipyard.
“Our client believes that the proposed marina will increase the risk of collisions in the Medina, contrary to National Planning Policy Framework, because larger ships and other commercial traffic will be forced to share a narrowed channel with recreational sailors.”
Plan Research said that while recently built leisure craft such as yachts are now required to include sewage storage tanks, they are in practice not always used or emptied in the appropriate place.
It also warned of older craft discharging sewage directly into coastal waters and said these factors are likely to ‘exacerbate’ sewage and nitrate pollution in the Solent SPA.
Albany Road resident Chloe Neill voiced disquiet over the proposal’s lack of dedicated parking provision for berth holders, visitors or users – calling it a ‘fundamental omission’.
She said marina developments are well known to generate regular vehicle movements relating to berth holders accessing vessels, maintenance and servicing activities and visiting leisure users.
However, on parking provision Island Roads said that on the basis of forecast demand and recorded levels of available capacity, there is ‘no evidence’ the proposals would result in unacceptable overspill parking or adverse impacts on the operation or safety of the local highway network.
Rainey Petrie Architecture said environmental responsibility is ‘embedded throughout’ the project, from protecting sensitive marine habitats to adopting sustainable piling methods, reduced dredging impacts, downward-directed lighting and CHC’s commitment to measurable carbon reduction.
The firm said:
“It (marina) strengthens East Cowes’ position as a vibrant maritime destination by providing modern, safe and climate-resilient berthing supported by upgraded facilities and improved public realm.
“It stimulates the local economy through job creation, increased visitor spending and long-term investment, reinforcing Cowes’ international reputation as a premier yachting and regatta venue.”
In addition, it said the scheme showed ‘broad stakeholder and community support’, underpinned by engagement with local authorities, harbour users, UKSA, Red Funnel and residents.
While supporting the plans, East Cowes Town Council has asked the applicant to rethink the design of proposed metalwork due to concerns over the current design having a negative impact on the surrounding conservation area and views from the sea.
The Isle of Wight Council is scheduled to make a decison regarding the application on 22nd June.
The vast majority of yachts do not have “black tanks” to hold sewage and simply discharge directly into the sea, from conversations over the lack of pump out facilities many of the vessels with holding tanks just empty them into the sea, having used the river Medina for many years i have seen the untreated sewage polluting the river on a regular basis.
Pollution won’t be noticed against the professionals Southern Warner, parking is a 21st century issue everyone but they won’t all bring cars and they won’t come every week. We’ve made a rod for our own backs by being a sailing, boating desirable destination. We ought to take advantage of that
The boat related and local business need more customers for the island to prosper. islander could use more jobs. However customs will need to me more proactive