Dock restoration at Bridgwater Docks, Docks, Bridgwater

Restoring the dock for moorings and leisure

The application proposed restoring Bridgwater Dock with residential and leisure moorings, a new swing bridge, bascule bridge repairs and public realm works.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was to consider for restoration of Bridgwater Dock, including change of use of the dock to introduce residential and leisure moorings and associated infrastructure including new secure entrances and pontoons, creation of an active travel route, removal of the modern newton lock swing bridge and replacement with a new swing bridge, repairs to bascule…”

Minutes

Who spoke

The planning agent addressed councillors on the application.

Parking, cycle storage and houseboat appearance

Officers said existing parking would remain broadly available, but planning permission could not control the appearance of individual houseboats.

“Councillors asked whether parking would be available for occupants of the proposed residential moorings, alongside the proposed cycle storage. Officers clarified the existing car park would remain available and some spaces would be lost to accommodate cycle and waste facilities, but officers did not consider the reduction significant enough to adversely affect parking provision for future mooring users.”

Minutes

Residential moorings and future management

Officers confirmed residential moorings were included and said controlling occupiers' behaviour by condition would be difficult, though management discussions were underway.

“Councillors welcomed the project as a major opportunity to revitalise an important but neglected heritage asset. • Councillors asked whether the moorings would permit people to live permanently on houseboats or whether occupation would be restricted. Officers confirmed the proposal included residential moorings.”

Minutes

Councillors voted unanimously to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which the committee carried unanimously.

“After deliberations Councillor Slocombe proposed to grant planning permission to both applications. This was seconded by Councillor Pearce.”

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be granted planning permission subject to conditions including the amended wording to Condition 19 relating to the lock-gate backup/stop-log strategy and consultation requirements with the Canal & River Trust.”

Minutes