Southern Planning Practice Ltd – Coastal Marinas and Yards

The development of new, and the expansion or maintenance of existing, coastal marinas is facing an increasing number of barriers, constraints and issues which can restrict the potential supply of marina berths. More stringent environmental and planning restrictions are placing greater time and resource requirements on marinas, restricting growth and productivity.
The procedures and jurisdiction is more complex in tidal waters especially as marinas and yards are usually located in highly sensitive areas in relation to landscape, flooding and ecology; even redevelopment is complex.
Examples of advice include:

That a barge on a marina mooring could be used for a marine workshop without consent, thus avoiding the need for a new building.
Not to demolish buildings as the replacement would be subject to restrictions.

The Practice has consistently argued on behalf of clients for protected status for employment sites with access to the sea.

Marina Industries

This is a dynamic and highly skilled sector of UK PLC with clusters in the Solent area.
The Practice has considerable experience in acting for BMF members and understands the need for specialised locations and the problems of developing on and adjacent to water. It has helped resolve a number of conflicts e.g:

Advising the client on enforcement action taken by the Council against a chandlery in an industrial estate in a coastal town and sailing centre: – planning permission granted
New sheds for boatyards in the Green Belt – two appeals allowed in different areas of the country because of "Very Special Circumstances".