As part of the Master Plan adopted in 2013, Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) has now submitted an application to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for development consent in order to modernise the commercial port.
The first phase of the development introduces a new quay within the commercial Port area, designed to accommodate a wide range of vessels. The plans will enable the opportunity to attract new vessels, which cannot currently be accepted at the Port, including small cruise ships and other larger vessels.
Significant work has been undertaken by PHC to prepare key documentation, including a comprehensive Environmental Statement report. A successful public consultation event was also held at the Port on April 28 for all interested parties to learn more about their plans.
Commenting on the submission, Jim Stewart, chief executive says; “The phased implementation of our Master Plan proposals is essential in attracting new trades to the Port and developing existing ones. This application to the MMO relates to the commercial quays only and we’d like to emphasise that these proposals do not include the development of a marine centre or marina in Poole Harbour.
“We enjoyed talking to a wide range of stakeholders at our informal drop-in day and were pleased to see significant support for the proposals from a broad spectrum of organisations and general public attending.”
The submission to the Marine Management Organisation includes a Harbour Revision Order under section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964 and an application for a marine license under Part 4 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Subject to PHC receiving consent, construction of the new quay could commence in 2015.