Harbour is not an ‘income stream’

Council leader is saddened and incensed over sale

The Manor of Bosham is ‘far too special’ to be a separate part of Chichester Harbour and must not be sold to ‘some billionaire as a vanity part of a property portfolio’. That was the reaction from West Sussex County Council leader Louise Goldsmith this week, following the news that the freehold, which includes Bosham Quay, other valuable waterfront land and more than 800 moorings in Chichester Harbour, had been put on the market. Property consultancy Vail Williams, which is handling the sale, said it expects offers to exceed £6million. The new owner of the land would automatically become Lord of the Manor. Reacting to the news, Mrs Goldsmith described being ‘greatly saddened and incensed’ that this unique part of the harbour had been summed up as ‘just an income stream’. She took issue with how anyone could ‘value such a space or even think they can’, lauding Chichester Harbour as a ‘critical environmental area’ and one of the ‘very, very special places’ in West Sussex that ‘offers so much to so many’. The freehold land extends to include the foreshore and bed of Chichester Harbour up to the mean high water mark, from the Emsworth channel to the west of Thorney Island, across to the Bosham channel and part of the Chichester channel. Meanwhile the freehold estate includes Bosham Quay and the Old Mill, now home to Bosham Sailing Club, together with other associated property.

“What price for Chichester Harbour? After years of speculation, the Manor of Bosham and all that it entails (moorings, sailing club, quay, meadow, land and harbour seabed) is on the market. This quintessentially English landscape, part of Chichester Harbour, which is so environmentally important as part of the whole of Chichester Harbour, has been reduced to ‘a price and a stable income stream’ for the future owner. I just wonder if I am the only person who is greatly saddened and incensed in equal proportions that this unique part of the harbour is being summed up as just an ‘income stream’? Is this what we have become? Chichester Harbour unique. It is one of the smallest Areas of Outstanding Beauty yet has the largest water matter, set up through an Act of Parliament – the vision by a West Sussex county planner who recognised the immense environmental value of this unique area and the absolute need to protect it. An important Ramsar and Special Site of Scientific Interest, it is a critical environmental area, one of the very, very special places in West Sussex that offer so much to so many. But now it is under threat like never before in the whole of its very long history. It needs everyone’s protection more than ever. But my issue is how does anyone value such a space or even think they can? How can you value: The amazing wildlife. Seeing a peregrine falcon resting on the stakes in the harbour eyeing his world, the deer swimming across from Chidham to Itchenor then bouncing across Itchenor mud flats; the occasional lucky sight of the osprey flying up the harbour; the avocets feeding at low water in Chidham; the seals resting on a mud flat watching the world go by. The peace and mental benefit to the person in a wheelchair at Chidham or Itchenor being able to enjoy the amazing landscape and enjoy the gentle wind in their face. The walkers around the harbour that feed their souls on the views connecting with nature at its best. The canoeist who silently paddles along the shores. The young sailors out learning new skills and all the joys that it entails. The lively scene of the classic day boats racing in the water, spinnakers out trying to use every bit of wind available. The spectacular views, sun shine or dark skies, fair or high winds that are reflected in the harbour scenery – no day the same. Whatever way the harbour feeds our souls, it warms our hearts. We enjoy, appreciate and learn from it. It is for everyone: rich or poor, old or young. The delicate ecological balance which attracts an abundance of wildlife is very fragile and, without being dramatic, is at tipping point. So it needs all of us to come together to protect it. The Manor of Bosham should not be a separate part of the harbour, owned possibly by some billionaire as a vanity part of a property portfolio. It is far too special for that. It should not be owned by central or local government. But perhaps out there is some purchaser, a benefactor who in recognising the huge community value, would ensure this part of the harbour is for all. This uniquely special and priceless harbour needs protection and stewardship on behalf of the general public, for now and for the future, so the generations to come can enjoy and love this uniquely precious area as so many of us do.”