Dock restoration and moorings at Bridgwater Docks, Docks, Bridgwater

Dock restoration with new moorings

The application was to restore Bridgwater Dock, adding residential and leisure moorings, a new swing bridge, bridge repairs, landscaping and engineering 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

Applicant's agent addressed the committee

The applicant's planning agent addressed the committee on the application.

Parking and houseboat appearance queried

Members asked about parking for mooring users and whether the appearance of future houseboats could be controlled, which officers said planning could not regulate.

“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

Historic features and fishing discussed

Officers confirmed unauthorised fishing was an ongoing issue for future management, and that historic dockside features would be retained within the site.

“Officers responded fishing is currently not permitted, although officers acknowledged that unauthorised fishing takes place. Clarified the Environment Agency had noted the issue and future management and enforcement arrangements would need to address it.”

Minutes

Management of the historic setting raised

Members welcomed the heritage opportunity and asked about a management plan, and officers said controlling future occupiers through conditions would be difficult.

“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

Committee approved unanimously

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission, with amended wording on the lock-gate strategy and consultation with the Canal and River Trust.

“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