PORT MASTERPLAN ADDENDUM 2019-2024 TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 2 Port Masterplan Addendum

the Bay and its 3 enclosed ports of , As part of ongoing efforts to minimise the EXECUTIVE and have been successfully impact of human activity on Tor Bay’s natural delivered, including improvements to Princess environment – while also allowing, where SUMMARY Pier and Beacon Quay in Torquay, improved possible, for those activities to take place - the fendering and other infrastructure for the Harbour Authority have been closely involved fishing and shell-fishing industry in Paignton in several Bay-wide initiatives to improve and Brixham. Inevitably a lot of the Port sustainability. These have included monitoring In 2013 The Tor Bay Harbour Authority Masterplan has yet to be delivered but this is the recently introduced inshore Marine published its Port Masterplan which set out, only to be expected: we are only 5 years into a Conservation Zone; working alongside Living for the first time, a practical and realistic long- 25-year programme. Coasts and others by contributing to the term strategy for the future of Tor Bay Harbour design and installation of experimental eco- over the following 20-25 years. The Masterplan There have been many changes to the moorings to hopefully reduce scouring of was designed as a ‘living document’ and operating environment, too: reductions the seabed caused by mooring and anchor the subject of periodic updates to remain to central government funding of Local chains; and working with the Community aligned with the evolving needs and wishes Authorities, combined with increased demands Seagrass Initiative and Fishing for Litter of Harbour users, reinforce and build on upon its services, have left Torbay Council projects, among others. achieved successes, and to identify and react (among many others) facing severe financial to new challenges and opportunities. pressures. The consequences of the 2016 Brexit vote have yet to crystallise but could In the 5 years since its publication much has present challenges for tourism, and the marine changed. Operationally, the Bay’s popularity and environmental sectors which will have to as a working and recreational harbour has be addressed quickly if business continuity is increased with greater number of marine to be maintained. It might also result in greater events held every year. The fishing industry opportunities eg for the fishing industry. It is based primarily in Brixham has expanded, probable that the administrative burden will and the Bay remains a regular destination increase eg as a result of increased customs anchorage for cruise ships and other checks of non-UK vessels landing to Torquay merchant vessels. or Brixham, and proactive steps are being Many of the projects identified to improve taken to mitigate this. TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 3

ports develop over time. Pleasingly, the Port Masterplan has stood the test of time: although much has changed over the intervening period, it remains a valid and actionable document, requiring only a minor update – the purpose of this Addendum, which is designed to be read in conjunction with the original publication. Objectives and projects which have already been achieved are identified; those that are ongoing are critically reviewed against the current and foreseeable operating comprehensive in its breadth: it considered not environment and modified as necessary only the physical infrastructure requirements INTRODUCTION to ensure that they can be delivered. New of the Harbour’s ports and the wishes of its opportunities are identified and incorporated users, but it also encompassed the wider into the Addendum. Similarly, those objectives environmental and socio-economic aspects In 2012 the Tor Bay Harbour Authority described in the 2013 publication which are including tourism, transport links, employment commissioned Royal Haskoning DHV either undeliverable or no longer pertinent are opportunities, and its contribution to the health to consult on and draft a strategic Port also categorised along with an explanation of and wellbeing of residents and visitors. Masterplan for Tor Bay and the three enclosed why they will no longer be pursued. ports of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. When the Port Masterplan was published, This document was published in 2013 by the This document has been developed after the Torbay Local Plan and the towns’ Harbour Authority to set out, for the first time, extensive consultation with stakeholders and Neighbourhood Plans were still being a practical and realistic long-term strategy the public to reflect their evolving aspirations developed, and thus a key purpose of the for the future of Tor Bay Harbour over the and requirements. Consultation events were Port Masterplan was to inform, influence and following 20-25 years. held on a number of throughout the summer assist their development by explaining to local of 2018 at each of the enclosed ports to communities and the marine industry how The Port Masterplan was unashamedly ensure that as many views as possible could they could expect to see the Harbour and its ambitious in its reach and undoubtedly be captured and considered. TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 4 Port Masterplan Addendum

many maritime races and events each year. hopefully increasing the number of visiting THE BAY AND It is a regionally-significant tourist destination merchant vessels. and also supports a fishing industry of ITS THREE PORTS national importance. Connectivity Since the 2013 publication of the Port Tor Bay is also visited by cruise ships which Masterplan the Bay has become increasingly anchor off Torquay Harbour both because of well connected to the South hinterland its location - it neatly links the destinations Tor Bay and beyond: recent large-scale road network of Hamburg or Southampton in the east, to improvement projects including the A380 South Tor Bay Harbour, the waterfront, the three Cork or Dublin in the west, and the Iberian Devon Expressway have reduced journey enclosed ports and the coastline all form Peninsula to the south. It is also the ideal times for the 30,000 vehicles which daily travel the central part of Torbay’s built and natural ‘gateway’ to Exeter, Dartmoor and many between Torbay and Newton Abbott by up to environment. The focal point is the wide South Devon attractions as well as a popular 40 minutes. This will be further improved if the and open bay which provides substantial destination in its own right. It is also the Torquay Gateway Scheme is progressed. protection from the prevailing south-westerly diversionary harbour of choice for cruise weather. It is truly a community resource. It vessels which cannot safely make Plymouth or Ongoing road widening works along the is a ‘working’ harbour in which cruise ships Dartmouth in poor weather. ‘western corridor’ are also improving and merchant vessels frequently anchor to Brixham’s connectivity to Paignton, Torquay A number of merchant vessels make use of land passengers, change crews or undertake and beyond. However, immediate road Tor Bay’s sheltered deep water anchorages at-sea hull inspections. In poor weather it is a connectivity to each of the three ports remains to temporarily lay-over, to swap crews or ‘port of refuge’ for vessels seeking shelter. The single-carriageway only, and there are to conduct under-water hull inspections. Bay accommodates inshore passenger ferries competing pressures between resident, tourist Historically they also used to conduct hull to connecting the towns of Torquay, Paignton and commercial traffic, all of which continue to cleans and propeller polishing activities and Brixham to Teignmouth and Dartmouth. increase in volume. but these stopped several years ago due The absence of strong tidal currents, rip-tides to concerns over the potential to introduce Intra-port connectivity has similarly improved or eddies, as well as its gently shelving sea- environmental pollutants into the Bay. A with regular seasonal foot-passenger ferries bed make it an ideal and popular destination number of technological advances have which operate between the three ports of Tor for recreational and leisure vessels and hosts addressed these reservations and it is hoped Bay and also to Teignmouth and Dartmouth. that these will recommence in the near future, TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 5

However the fast ferry service which shell-fish product have increased and the noted that this could not be undertaken without commenced in 2015 was scrapped in 2017 fishing port is approaching capacity in terms the further environmental protection provided due to lack of customer demand. of vessels that it can accommodate. Similarly, by a northern breakwater arm. the fish market is reaching capacity shore-side Rail connectivity for the Bay has similarly regarding the number and size of lorries that Paignton stalled despite the line at Dawlish being rebuilt it can safely accommodate. An objective of Paignton Harbour is a compact and enclosed after it was washed away in 2014, as the rail this Addendum is to address these capacity working harbour which completely dries out improvements outlined in the Local Transport issues to ensure that the fishing industry can at low tide. It has the character and ‘feel’ of a Plan have been indefinitely delayed due to continue to grow and evolve into the future. north Cornish fishing port, and is situated within funding considerations. an urban, mostly residential area of Paignton. Brixham’s heritage fishing fleet continues It has a strong community feel by virtue of Brixham to be an active and visible presence in its active dinghy sailing, rowing and Sea and around the Bay and, along with the Brixham remains the 4th largest fishing port in Scout groups, and is surrounded by several commercial fishing fleet described above, the UK and the largest in England and Wales historic buildings, restaurants and cafes as remains a key element of Brixham’s attraction by value of catch landed; this is illustrated in well as some small commercial marine units, as a tourist destination particularly during the table below: particularly on South Quay, including crab the main summer season when the town can vivier tanks. It is however spatially dislocated Type Quantity Value (£m) become congested with both people and from the town centre and suffers from reduced (thousand traffic. Parking within the town remains at a footfall and vehicle traffic as a result, which tonnes) premium and the plans within this Addendum constrains its commercial appeal. 2012 2017 2012 2017 are, where practicable, cognisant of their impact on the availability of parking. Demersal 4.2 4.7 11.9 15.6 The congested East and North Quays are used to store many dinghy-sized craft and In addition to the MDL-operated marina, Pelagic 2.1 1.6 0.7 0.5 canoes, some fishing-related stores and Brixham also hosts approximately 200 swinging Shellfish 7.4 8.7 13.5 24.6 seasonal passenger-ferry boarding stations. moorings in the outer harbour. There is an Ample car parking behind the buildings on total 13.7 15 26.1 40.7 aspiration to replace these with a piled ‘walk South Quay exists but is under-used except ashore’ pontoon system which would reduce Since the Port Masterplan was published in for a few days during the high season, and the their footprint and enable further development 2013 both the quantity and value of fish and harbour’s two slipways are popular launching of the harbour; however the 2013 Masterplan TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 6 Port Masterplan Addendum

and recovering sites. split approximately evenly between MDL and Beacon Quay are the historically significant, Local Authority ownership, and the harbour but despite their listed status are sadly The harbour walls are aging but sound, has almost reached capacity: there is very dilapidated, WWII landing craft ramps from however many of the buildings on South little room afloat for further berths. which some of the armed forces which Quay require refurbishment. Many of the participated in D-Day departed. Between the businesses and clubs wish to expand but are The harbour is protected by the twin arms of ramps and slipway is the Town Dock which is prohibited from doing so due to lack of space Haldon Pier and Princess Pier, the latter being used by passenger ferries and cruise vessel or inefficient building’s design or layout. In recently refurbished (2018) when the derelict tenders to land and pick up passengers. particular the demand for storage outstrips landing stage was removed. Haldon Pier was supply due to spatial constraints. historically a popular berth for small to medium There is a fuel berth on South Pier which sized coasters but is unlikely to ever operate vends both petrol and marine diesel but this The 2013 Port Masterplan noted the need to in this capacity again for several reasons: needs substantial renovation before it can raise, and potentially to extend, the East Quay rock armouring prohibits berthing along the be permitted to recommence trading. This wall to improve environmental protection as well outer face and the harbour entrance is too Pier, along with the adjoining bridge and cill, as the possibility of building a new slipway and narrow to allow such vessels to manoeuvre provides further protection for vessels moored quay wall on its outer (seaward) side. These safely alongside the inner face. Furthermore in the Inner Harbour which dovetails into the have not yet commenced due to cost, but Haldon Pier requires substantial refurbished if lower part of the town and is surrounded by remain high priorities, however other Masterplan the current vehicle weight restriction is to be commercial premises as a consequence. projects are being taken forward, particularly revoked, which presently curtails the volume the redevelopment of the Harbour Light building of cargo that can be discharged alongside. The route from the Town Dock to the town and the redevelopment of South Quay. Instead, the visitors’ pontoon is moored centre has been the focus of improvements in alongside the inner face and provides walk- Torquay to reflect its ‘gateway’ status into and Torquay ashore access to the toilets, showers, shops out of the town from the water. The focus in Torquay Harbour is a modern enclosed and cafes situated along Beacon Quay on the this Addendum will be the less conspicuous harbour from which a small but significant harbour’s northern side. but equally important quay walls around commercial fishing industry as well as a other parts of the harbour as part of an number of passenger ferry companies The Beacon Quay slipway is an extremely ongoing programme of future-proofing and operate. Visually the harbour is dominated by popular launching point for small vessels and renovations. pontoon-style berths for recreational vessels, in summer often requires active management to prevent congestion. Further west along TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 7

spatial development guidance on the most THE NEED FOR sustainable future for Tor Bay Harbour and its three enclosed ports. It is not meant to PORT MASTER- include detailed plans of developments for implantation but instead provides flexibility for PLANNING development over the longer term. It is also designed to communicate the Harbour Authority’s aspirations to the The Harbour Authority is continuously wider community and other planning responsible for improvements to the harbour bodies to ensure that future harbour facilities to accommodate changes in the development remains coherent with change needs and demands of port customers, port delivered through the Torbay Local Plan, users, stakeholders and legislation in order to Neighbourhood Plans and other regional and ensure continuing success. local strategies. Published in 2013, the main purpose of the Port Masterplan was to provide a practical and realistic long-term strategy for the future of Tor Bay Harbour over the following 20-25 years. It was designed as a ‘living document’ and is the subject of periodic updates (of which this document is the first) to remain aligned with the evolving needs and wishes of Harbour users, reinforce and build on achieved successes, and to identify and react to new challenges and opportunities. This Port Masterplan is a high level framework document that provides overall strategic TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 8 Port Masterplan Addendum

THE APPROACH FOR THIS ADDENDUM

Designed to remain relevant for up to 20 years, much of the Port Masterplan remains germane as a ‘capstone’ document which articulates the broader strategic setting. This Addendum, and each of those which follow projects in sufficient detail that future growth, ®® What are the future requirements of Tor will serve to update the contextual and other however piecemeal, remains coherent. Each Bay Harbour that we must address? changes which have occurred since the 2013 delivery plan should thus not be viewed as publication and to provide greater levels of stand-alone project but instead a piece within ®® What are your ideas for the development clarity and detail regarding priorities, proposed a wider holistic ‘jigsaw’. of the harbour? developments and a proposed delivery plan for ®® What is your order of priority for future the forthcoming 5-10 year timeframe. The development of this Addendum followed closely to that employed for the original Port development? Like the Port Masterplan, this and future Masterplan. Stakeholder workshops were Each workshop concluded with a plenary Addendums are deliberately ambitious and, undertaken during the summer in each of the session to gauge areas of collective to a certain extent, aspirational: many of the three harbours to understand what had changed agreement. These were incorporated into plans are not currently funded and it may since publication of the Port Masterplan and to a draft version of this document which was prove impossible to deliver these capabilities identify future requirements and priorities. These circulated amongst consultation attendees within the desired timeframe (or indeed at workshops focused on 4 questions: for feedback prior to its being presented to all if circumstances so dictate). However it the Harbour Committee for endorsement and is important to describe future plans and ®® What changes have taken place since publication of the Port Masterplan? subsequent Council adoption. TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 9

the harbour while continuing to contribute, designed with longevity in mind, and despite THE STRATEGY where possible, to the finances of the changes to the operating context they remain owning authority – Torbay Council; valid. That notwithstanding their priorities have FOR TOR BAY undoubtedly changed: issues surrounding ®® Develop robust partnerships with key port governance have diminished in relative maritime stakeholders to attract and deliver terms compared to the protection of the HARBOUR commercial port businesses, contributing marine environment for example. to job creation and the local economy; The plans and projects detailed later in this AUTHORITY ®® Manage the harbour in a sustainable document each contribute towards one or manner by supporting a variety of marine more of these objectives. activities including fishing, shipping, The overarching strategy for Tor Bay Harbour marine-related businesses, heritage, eco- Authority remains unchanged from that tourism an marine recreational activities; published in the Port Masterplan: ®® Balance the responsible stewardship of ‘to provide a high quality service the marine environment with appropriate that is committed to improve Tor Bay socio-economic development and use of Harbour and provide a cleaner and Tor Bay; safer environment by addressing the ®® Measure and monitor the needs and following objectives: wishes of harbour users, the local community and visitors through ®® Maintain Tor Bay Harbour and the three appropriate research; and, enclosed ports under the management of one Harbour Authority ®® Improve connectivity between the enclosed ports by upgrading facilities for ®® Review and use the statutory powers of marine transport.’ the Harbour Authority to fulfil its statutory duties in a timely manner for the purpose These objectives remain unchanged from the of improving, maintaining and managing original Port Masterplan because they were TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 10 Port Masterplan Addendum

®® The continuing use of the Bay as a place ®® The obsolete landing stage on Princess WHAT HAVE WE of refuge in inclement weather and also as Pier has been removed and the walkway a destination for cruise vessels provides an refurbished to improve pedestrian access, ACHIEVED SINCE economic boost to the area. particularly disabled access; Torquay ®® The decking along Beacon Quay has been replaced with a composite surface, THE LAST PLAN? ®® The replacement of the swinging moorings making it substantially safer especially in the Torquay inner harbour with walk- in wet weather by improving its non-slip ashore pontoons. This has considerably properties; Much has been achieved since the original improved safe access for harbour users to plan was published in 2013. These include: and from their vessels and enhanced the ®® The Harbour Authority has recently re- security of the vessels while berthed in the The Bay acquired the marine fuel station and harbour; investigating how best to refurbish it to ®® The establishment of an inshore Marine ensure a future fuelling capability remains ®® Permanent pontoons have been installed Conservation Zone (MCZ) around the Bay in Torquay; in 2013 has enhanced the protection of the at the foot of Princess Parade for the Bay’s natural environment; commercial fishing fleet in Torquay, which ®® The wave screen in the outer harbour has has both increased the number of vessels been upgraded and is designed to better ®® The number of our beaches which have which can be accommodated in the withstand any wave action during storms. been granted the prestigious Blue Flag harbour and improved safe access for the award standard has risen despite the fishermen; Paignton threshold criteria for water quality having ®® Refurbishment of the Harbour Light been substantially raised in 2015. This ®® Seasonal pontoons have been installed along the inner face of Haldon Pier for building is expected to commence in early reflects the continuing improvement in our 2019. natural environment and also the facilities visitors to improve the amenity and appeal offered at the waterfront; of the port; Brixham ®® New seasonal passenger ferry links to ®® The provision of improved pontoons and ®® Repairs to the Victoria breakwater Teignmouth have reinforced the Bay’s access brow for cruise ship passengers following storm damage, the emplacement attractiveness as a tourist destination; inside Haldon Pier; of more robust rock armouring along part TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 11

vessels alongside to justify the cost of construction. Moreover the fragile material state of the existing Haldon Pier would require costly and extensive maintenance works to bear the likely vehicular traffic and plant needed to make the pier a useful loading and unloading berth.

®® Additional slipway on the seaward side of Paignton’s East Quay and on the seaward side of Haldon Pier. Although these will be kept under review, there is sufficient launching capacity around the Bay to of its seaward face as well as raising the vessels to land a greater volume of stock. offset the need for the construction of breakwater’s height by 50cm is expected additional slipways. Moreover the cost to substantially improve its utility as a Perhaps unsurprisingly (since we are only 5 of construction is unlikely to ever be breakwater and future-proof it against rises years into a 25 year plan) a number of plans recouped from the launching fees they in sea level due to climate change for up to outlined in the Port Masterplan have yet to be could generate and they would both be 50 years. delivered. While a few are no longer relevant, most are still needed although perhaps a vulnerable to surge or flood damage in an ®® Better fendering of the Fish Quay’s few require modifying to reflect the changing easterly storm. northern face will ensure that the more operating environment, while other, new, ®® A half-tide cill and lift bridge in Brixham. exposed landing berths remain operational requirements have emerged. Experience from Torquay has shown that in a wider range of inclement weather than this would be very costly to build and at present; Those that will not be taken forward include: require an increased number of harbour ®® The extension to Haldon Pier to provide a ®® The expected installation of a shell-fish staff to manually lift and lower the bridge. landing jetty in Oxen Cove will raise the deep water berth. This is not considered Even if a pontoon berthing system similar harbour’s capacity will meet the growing viable due to cost, the disruption to the to that in Torquay’s inner harbour were demand by an increasing number of inshore Tor Bay MCZ and also the lack built it is unlikely that the cost of the cill of suitably deep water to attract sufficient and bridge could ever be recouped. TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 12 Port Masterplan Addendum

SWOT ANALYSIS The SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis published in the Port Masterplan has been updated here to reflect the changes which have taken place over the intervening 5 years.

Strengths Weaknesses Tor Bay Harbour is well protected with good anchorages for ships Some unused and derelict harbour facilities Significant Harbour Estate that makes the harbour sustainable Aging critical harbour infrastructure eg piers, quays and harbour walls English Riviera is a strong marketing and tourism brand Lack of waterfront space to expand harbour businesses, particularly Unique character of the individual ports fishing industry Good provision of leisure and recreational boating facilities, including Congested road networks, particularly in high season a number of active yacht clubs Lack of lift out/repair facilities for vessels eg MFVs 4th largest fishing port in UK with excellent reputation for quality Shortage of onshore marine leisure facilities Tor Bay is recognised as a port of refuge Lack of cargo handling facilities Attractive area for living and working Lack of cold storage and fish processing facilities All ports come under one governing Authority No rail connections to the enclosed ports Outstanding natural environment with variety of designations eg MCZ Tor Bay anchorages exposed to easterly weather Excellent water quality Infrastructure & water depth are insufficient to accept cargo/ cruise Safe road network which is continually improving vessels alongside Paignton and Torquay connected to national rail network Vulnerability to effects of climate change, particularly Paignton Paucity of car parking Shortage of maritime skills TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 13

Opportunities Threats Growth in ‘green’ tourism, investment and research Climate change and coastal erosion Potential to run Tor Bay Harbour as an ‘arm’s length’ company of the Unknown consequences of Brexit on fishing and tourism industries council similar to TDA (eg access to markets, loss of grant aid, disruption etc) Space for development in Brixham harbour Lack of finance to fund harbour infrastructure developments /size of Improvement potential for transport links financial contribution to the Council Installation of climate change defences could enhance built Risk of piecemeal development without a coherent overarching vision environment (eg like this document) Potential for further growth in visiting cruise and fishing vessel Increasingly onerous legislative and regulatory environment could numbers stifle development Brexit may provide opportunities eg additional landing quota/TAC Competition from other harbours/ fishing ports/ cruise destinations Introduction of electronic fish auction could increase volume/value of Introduction of electronic fish market auction could result in product product landed landed to other ports instead of Brixham Installation of a floating breakwater in Brixham would attract cargo and Very lean staffing levels at each of the enclosed ports passenger vessels to the Bay Introduction of a hull-cleaning service would attract additional vessels into the Bay Potential for multi-storey parking Links to regional Higher and Further Education establishments External development funding opportunities TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 14 Port Masterplan Addendum

®® Preserve, protect and where possible objectives and policies of which those below DEVELOPMENT improve marine and terrestrial biodiversity; are the most relevant.

®® Be adapted to climate change; Objective 1: To encourage effective use PLANNING POLICY of space to support existing and future ®® Minimise use of greenfield land; sustainable economic activity through ®® Enhance access to port and the jobs, co-existence, mitigation of conflicts and This document, and the Port Masterplan services and social networks they create, minimisation of development footprints which preceded it, have been developed with including for the most disadvantaged; regard to the wider policy frameworks such S-CO-1: Proposals will minimise their use of as the National Planning Policy Framework ®® Being an engine for economic growth. space and consider opportunities for co- (updated 2018), the National Policy Statement existence for Ports (2012), the Torbay Local Plan (2015) South Inshore and South Offshore Policy aim: Enables plans to be spatially and the more recent Neighbourhood Plans. Marine Plan (known as the South planned to maximise use of limited space This document has also been written with Marine Plan) reference to the DEFRA publications Coastal S-PS-1: Proposals that have adverse impact Concordat and the separate South Inshore This DEFRA-authored document was on current activity and future port expansion and South Offshore Plan. published in 2018 to introduce a strategic should be avoided or minimised approach to planning within the inshore and National Policy Statement offshore waters between Folkstone and the Policy aim: Ensures proposals do not restrict for Ports River Dart. It provides an evidence-based current port activity or future growth framework for marine users and regulators The Government policy for ports seeks to to shape and inform decisions over how S-AQ-1: Sustainable aquaculture … will be encourage sustainable port development to the area’s waters are developed, protected supported cater for long-term forecast growth in volumes and improved over the next 20 years. It sits of imports and exports by sea in order to Policy aim: Recognises importance of alongside other regional marine plans that are aquaculture industry (amongst other things): (or will be) published to encompass the whole Objective 2: To manage existing, and aid the ®® Contribute to local employment, of the UK coastline. regeneration and development; provision of new, infrastructure supporting The South Marine Plan contains a number of marine and terrestrial activity TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 15

S-INF-1: Support to appropriate land-based Objective 4: To support marine activities S-CC-2: Proposals should demonstrate infrastructure which facilitates marine activity that increase or enhance employment resilience to climate change throughout opportunities lifetime of proposal Policy aim: Supports integration between marine and land-use plans S-EMP-1: Development of marine related Policy aim: Enables climate change resilience activities will be supported of developments & activities S-AQ-2: Support for proposals that enable the provision of infrastructure for sustainable Policy aim: Enables maximum sustainable fisheries & aquaculture & related industries activity, prosperity and opportunities for all Policy aim: Encourages supporting Objective 5: To avoid, minimise, mitigate infrastructure for marine industries displacement of marine activities, particularly where of importance to marine Objective 3: To support diversification of communities activities which improve socio-economic conditions in coastal communities S-SOC-1: Support to proposals that promote social benefits S-FISH-1: Proposals that support diversification of sustainable fishing industry, Policy aim: Protects against displacement of or enhance its resilience to climate change activities which provide a social benefit should be supported S-FISH-3: Proposals that enhance access to Policy aim: Enables fishing industry to sustainable fishing or aquaculture sites should manage climate change risks & maximise be supported sustainable use of marine resources Policy aim: Enables support for sustainable S-TR-1: Proposals supporting tourism & fishing and aquaculture recreation activities…should be supported Objective 7: to support the reduction Policy aim: Enables greater range of of environmental, social and economic employment opportunities and minimises impacts of climate change economic risks TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 16 Port Masterplan Addendum

Coastal Concordat proposed to enable the creation of additional ®® Linking the ports along the south west employment and leisure opportunities. coast with coastal ferry services. The Coastal Concordat is one of a suite of actions the Government and regulatory SDP1 (Paignton) The Paignton Neighbourhood Plan seeks bodies (eg DEFRA, DfT, DCLG, MMO, EA, Mixed use schemes as part of harbourside, improvements to the harbour frontage (PNP3) NE) are taking to achieve more efficient and waterfront and town centre regeneration of which retains the ‘quaintness’ of the harbour, coordinated regulation to enable sustainable Paignton. attracts more tourists and enables more use of growth in the coastal zone. Although Torbay the harbour for water sports. Council is not currently a signatory to the SDT1 (Torquay) Concordat it nevertheless benefits from the Mixed use schemes as part of harbourside, The Brixham Peninsula Neighbourhood application of its principles when applying for waterfront and town centre regeneration of Plan seeks to sustain a vibrant harbour- regulatory and other permissions to undertake Torquay. side economy (J5) by further developing maintenance or development activities. it as a working harbour, utilising the land Neighbourhood plans in Freshwater Quarry and Oxen Cove for The Torbay Local Plan: a Although the Torquay Neighbourhood Plan marine related employment (J7) including landscape for success identifies its seafront and harbour as the engineering and boat repair facilities, boat storage and shellfish processing and a multi- The Torbay Local Plan recognises the primary ‘core tourist investment area’ for level car park along with access to a northern importance of the harbours and commits to Torquay which “should be the main focus for arm breakwater. investment and regeneration of harbours and investment” it also seeks to “integrate water harboursides, including infrastructure for the based sports and activities into the tourism fishing industry which it identifies as “vital to offer” through: success”. In particular it articulates several ®® Easier access to the water for all users, ‘area’ policies thus: including the storage and launching/ SDB1 (Brixham) recovery of small craft from beaches and Mixed use harbourside development with a harbours; focus on marine related employment uses. ®® Ensuring infrastructure investment to SDB2 (Brixham) support Blue Flag/Quality awards for The provision of a northern arm breakwater is beaches; TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 17

®® Outside of the enclosed ports the heart of the south west. We will attempt IMPLEMENTATION Authority will advocate the retention to build a stronger regional profile by and maintenance of launching sites (eg collaborating with other local ports which AND DELIVERY slipways) around the Bay if the Shoreline also accommodate cruise vessels. Management Plan and their importance to the local marine community would make it Environmental stewardship appropriate to so. ®® We will work proactively with other Tor Bay Harbour agencies to identify where future climate A large number of ideas were collected during Reinforcing the Bay as a safe, vibrant and change adaptations may be required, for the consultation events and augmented those attractive destination example additional or augmented sea already captured in the Port Masterplan. Over ®® The number of maritime events that take defences, and support efforts to attract the next 5 years the Harbour Authority will place annually in the Bay is increasing external funding for such projects. consolidate our recent achievements and also annually and we will continue to support lay the foundations for future success through and facilitate these wherever possible. ®® The introduction of an Environmental the delivery of three broad themes: improving Management Plan will enable the visibility and access to the water; reinforcing ®® As the popularity of open water swimming protection of the Bay’s nationally the Bay as a safe, vibrant and attractive grows there are an increasing number acclaimed natural environment to be destination; and environmental stewardship. of swimmers who throughout the year sensibly balanced against the growth The activities which support their delivery are are venturing further into the Bay where of the Bay’s tourist, fishing and other listed below: swimmers have not previously been industries. encountered. A swimmers code of practice Improving visibility and access to the water and an education campaign to encourage Brixham Harbour ®® The use of enhanced signage of the vessels to keep a better lookout will be The outcome of a very well attended and enclosed harbours, and proposals to introduced to ensure everyone’s safety. energetic stakeholder workshop was broad improve their footfall will raise their visibility agreement with the ideas set out in the ®® Numbers of visiting cruise vessels have from landward. In tandem the Authority Port Masterplan albeit with some important halved over the previous 5 years and the will champion the retention of adequate refinements. There was universal agreement Authority will seek to reverse this decline nearby car parking. that the recent and welcome growth of by re-launching Tor Bay as a destination in the fishing industry required further port its own right and also a gateway into the TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 18 Port Masterplan Addendum

expansion to allow the increased spatial the external face and raising the height of Quay and Oxen Cove to provide additional demands of the fish market, equipment the wall to compensate for expected sea- MFV landing berths and to allow road storage and MFV berths to be met; improved level rises due to climate change. access between the two sites. It would also marine engineering support, with a boat enable further fish cold/freezer storage, hoist/lift-out facility for at least the majority of ®® Funding and other approvals will be offices and fish market hall, and equipment the MFVs; the replacement of the swinging sought for a northern arm floating storage spaces to be built, and reduce the moorings with ‘walk-ashore’ pontoon facilities; breakwater to enhance the environmental traffic volume along Blackball Lane and more space to host resident and visiting protection to Brixham harbour. This is Overgang Road and thus away from the maritime event activities as well as winter a significant departure from previous closest residential areas neighbouring the boat storage; and perhaps most importantly plans which have sought the construction western side of the harbour. better environmental protection in the form of of a stone breakwater. While the latter a northern arm floating breakwater. This last undoubtedly has greater longevity and ®® Development of the derelict tanker berth item was seen as the sine qua non to ensure provides even better protection it has at the end of Victoria breakwater into a the future sustainability of Brixham harbour always been prohibitively expensive marine engineering facility, possibly with and lower town particularly given the forecast (approximately 6 times the expense of a a boat hoist capability, will be investigated impact of future climate change as evidenced floating breakwater) and has a very large and if cost-effective will be pursued. ‘footprint’ on the fundus (seabed) and by the damage wrought by Storm Emma ®® A limited dredging campaign to deepen earlier in 2018. The importance of tourism is thus environmentally very intrusive. Consideration of a floating solution has the fairway, and landing and fuel berths, is generally, and the heritage fishing fleet in seen as essential to keep Brixham harbour particular, was also reaffirmed. several advantages in that it provides the necessary environmental protection at open for the deeper-draught vessels. The following projects are those which will be significantly reduced cost, has a much ®® Replacement of the existing swinging prioritised over the next 5-10 years: reduced environmental footprint, allows moorings in the outer harbour with medium sized vessels (and even small Improving sea defences walk-ashore pontoon berths, including cruise liners!) to berth alongside and can dedicated visitor berths. This will require ®® Grant funding will be sought to continue accommodate vehicular traffic. the northern arm floating breakwater to be the improvements to Victoria Breakwater installed first as otherwise the pontoons which have already commenced with the Enabling commercial growth would be too environmentally exposed. placement of additional rock armour on ®® Further land reclamation between the Fish TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 19

Recognising Brixham’s heritage could be achieved without detriment to the ®® In the inner harbour an increased focus on existing commercial activities then it would be heritage, including the Brixham heritage Paignton Harbour welcomed. The consultation revealed a number of issues trawlers and the ‘Golden Hind’ with better During the consultation concerns were raised which the stakeholders wanted to address: berthing facilities. about the reduced foot-fall, the lack of space the port is set away from the town centre and generally but specifically the availability of ®® Installation of a boardwalk along the as a result its visibility within the community storage for equipment, boats and trailers and south western side of the inner harbour to is lower than that of the other two harbours. greater environmental protection especially support maritime events. Anecdotally some visitors remain unaware from easterly storms. Refurbishment of South that Paignton has a harbour and even some ®® Support efforts to increase the profile of Quay was also considered, particularly if residents rarely or never visit. Commercial the south-eastern part of the harbour, such redevelopment could address some of activity around the harbour has reduced as a particularly that adjacent the MDL these issues, and while all agreed that there result of the low foot-fall and even though the marina and breakwater slipway, as being was now a much reduced requirement for harbour is flanked by a multi-storey car park predominantly recreational in nature. a second slipway off East Quay, there was this is rarely more than half full except in the This may include further infrastructure for strong demand to infill part of the western high season. dinghies, gigs and other small vessels, side of the harbour to generate more space and supporting those who wish to move The harbour stakeholders are proud of the around the harbour which most wished to out of Oxen Cove to do so. harbour’s continuing commercial nature see converted from swinging moorings to a walk-ashore pontoon-based system if the Progressing these projects will have the and while landings from its small but locally environmental protection along East Quay effect of creating distinct ‘zones’ of differing important fishing fleet has increased, crab was improved and potentially extended. character around the harbour: the inner processing no longer takes place on site. During the period of this Addendum the harbour would be focussed on heritage and Commercial vehicular traffic has also reduced. following deliverables will be sought: tourism; the western side of the outer harbour There was some concern that the imminent (in 2018) redevelopment of the Harbour being the most ‘industrial’ and the south Improving sea defences Light building could presage a dilution of eastern side being focussed on recreation. ®® Subject to obtaining the appropriate Such deconfliction will ensure that safety of the harbour’s distinct working character and which could instead become centred more on planning and other regulatory clearances navigation remains paramount and avoids and identifying funding (including grant congestion as the harbour becomes busier. retail and restaurants, but many felt that if this TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY 20 Port Masterplan Addendum

funding) the Authority would seek to footfall eg by directing footfall in the wrong harbour remains fit-for-purpose, sustains improve environmental protection from direction. vibrant and financially sustainable marine wind and wave damage by enhancing the recreational, commercial and youth sea defences. ®® Many pedestrian visitors approach the communities, and becomes an attractive harbour through the arch under the visitor destination. ®® Installing rock armour along the East Harbour Light building, however their vista Quay’s outer face to absorb some of through the arch is limited by a number Torquay Harbour the wave energy, thereby reducing the of wooden kiosks. It may be possible to All sectors of Torquay’s stakeholder frequency that water ‘over tops’ the improve this vista through a review of their community were represented at the quay wall; number, sizing and location. consultation event held at the end of a busy ®® Countering future sea-level rise brought ®® There was a strong desire among summer. It was recognised that spatial about as a result of climate change by stakeholders to reclaim land along the constraints precluded large-scale change raising the height of the East and North western edge of the harbour to connect in Torquay, however there are a number of Quay walls by up to 50cm; North and South Quays. The land small but important enhancements to the reclaimed would substantially address infrastructure and services which will ensure ®® Conducting a feasibility study of the existing (and increasing) demands for that the harbour continues to meet the needs extending East Quay northwards by up usable quayside space in Paignton, would of its users to a high standard. The items to 40m to provide greater protection improve connectivity around the harbour which will be progressed over the next 5-10 of the harbour mouth and reduce the and make the best use of an area of years include: swell experienced in the harbour during currently under-utilised harbourside. poor weather. Improving sea defences ®® As identified in the original Port Masterplan ®® Seek grant funding for the refurbishment Improving the visibility of the harbour the buildings along South Quay require and repair of Haldon pier. This is vital as ®® Audit the existing signage on vehicular refurbishment and/or redevelopment. both a sea defence and a working quay and pedestrian approaches to the harbour. A development partner has been where vessels load and unload. The pier is Where necessary, liaise with Highways to sought by the Council to determine the increasingly being ‘over topped’ by waves improve signage. Fencing and other street scope of these works and to identify in inclement weather (a situation which furniture will also be studied to ensure appropriate solutions to ensure that is likely to become more frequent as the that it is not inadvertently discouraging the built environment surrounding the climate changes) and at present there is a TOR BAY HARBOUR AUTHORITY Port Masterplan Addendum 21

20 tonne weight bearing restriction which ®® Investigate the feasibility of limits the size and types of vehicles that recommissioning the inner harbour can drive onto the pier. slipway.

Enabling commercial growth ®® Where possible, enable the Royal Torbay ®® Recommissioning of the marine fuel Yacht Club’s aspirations to establish a station, particularly for the sale of petrol: waterfront presence. Although there is a while diesel can be obtained at Brixham, paucity of operational space, innovative the next closest ports selling petrol are design solutions may create the room for a Dartmouth to the west and Portland to the small waterfront presence. east. Recommissioning is given a high ®® Increase the quantity of available dinghy priority because of the safety implications parking space. of hand-filling vessels from containers at their berth. ®® Investigate the feasibility of installing a slipway along the outer face of Haldon ®® Refurbishing North Quay: both the Pier. quay wall and surface are in a poor state of repair and require upgrading. Improving the visibility of the harbour Reorganising the lay-out to provide further ®® Audit the existing signage on vehicular (much-needed) storage space, and the and pedestrian approaches to the harbour. aspiration to facilitate the provision of ice Where necessary, liaise with Highways to (eg by installing a small ice machine), will improve signage. Fencing and other street support Torquay’s small but significant furniture will also be studied to ensure commercial fishing industry. that it is not inadvertently discouraging A better stakeholder experience footfall eg by directing footfall in the wrong direction. ®® Installation of more recycling bins.

®® Install visitor pontoons along the inner face of Princess Pier.