Marina expansion and redevelopment at Stranraer Marina, Stranraer

What was proposed

The application proposed expanding and redeveloping the marina with new berths, dredging, reclaimed land, parking, facilities and public spaces.

“Description of development 1.8 This application seeks the proposed expansion and redevelopment of Stranraer Marina including: • Revised Marina layout - inclusion of an additional 185 new berths and approximately 14 commercial berths; • Increased dredging and breakwaters to allow entry of more boats and shelter the new marina layout; • Upgraded fuel berth; • New linkspans to berth pontoons; • New workshops to support marina operations; • Existing harbour / marina facilities…”

“The application forms part of the regeneration masterplan for Stranraer waterfront. The scheme seeks to create a mixed-use development intended to support the overall ambition for the town: to reposition Stranraer and Loch Ryan as a distinctive and successful marine leisure destination. These ambitions are set out in the Stranraer Waterfront Urban Design Strategy and Masterplan Planning Guidance.”

Officer report

The site

The site is the existing harbour and waterfront in Stranraer’s historic core, beside Agnew Park, roads, homes, businesses and the Coastal Walkway.

“Site description 1.2 The site is formed by the existing harbour and waterfront of Stranraer lying north of Market Street and forming part of the town’s historic core. Agnew Park lies immediately to the west.”

“The existing marina consists of a dogleg quay and a finger pontoon, which is used by smaller fishing vessels, excursions and recreational craft. There are approximately 70 berths over two locations within the harbour. One area is mainly set aside for commercial operators and there are 7 dedicated berths for visitors. The existing harbour also includes a number of larger commercial and fishing vessel berths against the harbour wall.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier permissions covered a boat access and hardstanding, while a 2024 proposal notice concerned the marina expansion scheme.

“The site adjoins the existing harbour reception building and the proposed Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA) building, which was granted planning permission under application 23/0970/FUL. Land within the western section of the site, includes the existing boat yard, and adjacent grassed areas, which benefits from planning permission (23/0976/FUL) for the erection of a boat shelter, extension of the boat yard area, and an instructor platform.”

“Relevant Planning History 1.12 The following applications relate to the site: 14/P/1/0133 - Formation of new access and hardstanding area for boats including slipway to foreshore - withdrawn 07/05/2014 14/P/1/0251 - Formation of new access and hardstanding area for boats including slipway to foreshore – Approved subject to conditions 21/07/2014 24/2201/PAN - Proposal of Application Notice in respect of proposed marina expansion scheme – accepted 05/11/2024”

Officer report

Roads and parking

The roads team had no objection subject to conditions but identified reductions in parking and said displaced heavy goods vehicle and coach parking should be addressed.

“Council Roads Team – No objection subject to conditions. Comments as follows: Marine Lake Car Park Existing – 184 general needs parking spaces plus 13 disabled persons parking spaces Proposed – 92 general needs parking spaces, plus 6 disabled persons parking spaces, plus 15 motorhome parking spaces. No alterations to existing access arrangements proposed, with the junction supported by swept path analysis for a large motorhome.”

“Breastworks Car Park Existing – 46 general needs spaces, 4 disabled persons parking spaces, 2 EV charging spaces, plus area of HGV / Coach parking (lining worn). It is understood the area for HGV / Coach parking could alternatively accommodate some 86 car parking spaces – resulting in a total of 132 general needs parking spaces equivalent. Proposed – 94 general needs parking spaces, 6 disabled persons parking spaces, 4 motorcycle parking spaces and drop-off area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the agent.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application subject to the report’s conditions, with amendments to conditions 4, 5, 8, 10, 11 and 12.

“APPROVED application 25/1521/FUL subject to the conditions detailed in the report with amendments to conditions 4, 5, 8, 10, 11 and 12 as follows:”

Minutes

The amended conditions

The amended conditions covered parking, reclaimed land materials and drainage, archaeology, otter surveys, ecological monitoring and street lighting.

“That no phase of the development hereby granted planning permission shall be brought into use unless all of the respective off-street car parking / turning areas shown on the approved drawings / phasing plan for that phase have been formed in complete accordance with the said drawings or such other drawings as may be approved in writing for the purpose by the Council as planning authority.”

“That no development in respect of this planning permission for the reclaimed land shall take place unless and until details of all materials associated with the reclaimed land and related drainage details have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council as planning authority (in consultation with the roads authority and SEPA). Thereafter, the reclaimed land and related drainage shall be implemented in accordance with the agreed details.”

Minutes