Replacement landing stage at Landing Stage Ref E01 Blackshore Southwold Harbour, Southwold

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing and enlarging an existing landing stage, with all associated works.

“1.Summary 1.1.The proposal seeks permission for the replacement of a Landing Stage and all associated works at Southwold harbour. 1.2.Considered against all relevant material planning matters, the application is deemed sustainable and therefore recommended for approval in accordance with the NPPF and the relevant policies of the adopted development plan. 1.3.The application is before the committee as the development falls within land owned by East Suffolk Council.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in principle, suitably designed, unlikely to harm ecology or increase flood risk, and recommended approval.

“8.3.In some circumstances extensions to water compatible and essential infrastructure land uses in the harbour will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that it: -Will not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere; -That it will not affect the structural integrity of a flood defence; and -That it is needed for the applicant's employment at the harbour and such development cannot be accommodated elsewhere.”

“9.Conclusion 9.1.The proposed replacement of the landing stage is acceptable in principle retaining the provision to access the river. The design is acceptable, not causing any harm to the character and appearance of the Conservation area or wider landscape. All ecological matters have been considered and the level of flood risk is considered low, therefore the development is therefore considered to comply with the policies listed above.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The town council and statutory consultees raised no objection overall, while Natural England requested further information and a construction management plan.

“5.Consultees Parish/Town Council ConsulteeDate consultedDate reply received Southwold Town Council18 May 202215 June 2022 Summary of comments: "No objection was raised, but it was requested that a condition be placed that equipment owned by the applicant be stored within the proposed extension and that public space at the harbour is not used for equipment." Statutory consultees ConsulteeDate consultedDate reply received 106”

“East Suffolk Ecology17 August 20227 September 2022 Summary of comments: No objections. Comments included within officers considerations. Reconsultation consultees ConsulteeDate consultedDate reply received Natural England6 November 202411 November 2024 Summary of comments: More information requested.”

Officer report

The committee presentation

The Senior Planner presented the plans, photographs and key issues, including the larger landing stage, conservation area, landscape and ecology.

Members’ discussion

Councillor Plummer asked whether similar landing stages would leave enough space, and was told each application would be considered individually.

“Councillor Plummer asked if everyone moved to that type of landing stage, would there be space. The Senior Planner confirmed there would be but each application would have to be considered on its own merits and that this was a one-off so acceptable in this case.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to approve the application subject to a three-year time limit, approved plans and a biodiversity construction management plan.

“On the proposition of Councillor Plummer, seconded by Councillor Ashdown it was…”

“That the application be approved subject to the conditions. Conditions: Year time limit 2.Compliance with plans 3.Construction environmental management plan (CEMP: Biodiversity) 11”

Minutes