Jetty at Chichester Harbour is given the go ahead despite a range of objections from harbour users and parish council
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Among the concerns from users of the jetty were that the application was ‘fundamentally flawed’. Others described the plans as ‘absolutely mad’ and ‘crazy’.
An objection letter read: “Itchenorhardiswidelyused,at all states of the tide, throughout the year. It is a popular site for paddle-boarders, kayakers and small dinghy sailors to launch and recover their craft.
“By extending the existing jetty by a minimum of seven metres, all craft will be forced further out into the channel when launching from or returning to the Hard. If, as proposed in the application, yachts are allowed to raft up on the new pontoon this distance is likely to be nearer 15 metres.
"Bydoublingthelengthofthe pontoonattheendoftheextended jetty from 45 metres to 100 metres all craft will be forced to stayoutinthechannel,instrongertidalflows,fortwiceaslongas they do at present.
"This will obviously put users of non-motorised craft, such as those mentioned above, at a much greater risk from the strong tidal flows and other motorcrafttryingtoaccessthepontoon.
"On the grounds of safety alone this application should be refused.”
Another objection letter, penned by a ‘regular sailor in keelboats’, cited concern about the ‘increased risk to small sailing and paddle craft’.
It added: “The proposed extension to the jetty will force us to sail further out into the centre of the reach – both into the adverse tide and into the main navigational channel which can be busy with larger yachts and motor craft coming down harbour from Chichester Marina andbirdhampool.thispresents a safety risk for sail and paddle powered craft.”
A third letter read: “This proposal is deeply flawed, unnecessary, and will be expensive. It will create a significant health and safety hazard for the multitude of small racing keelboats, dinghies,canoesandothercraft whichusetheitchenorstretchof waterforrecreationfrommarch to December.
"I have sailed at Itchenor for over 50 years and now have children and grandchildren who sail here regularly. I have been living at Itchenor for 10 years, about 50 yards from the current jetty. I view this proposal with horror.”
An owner of a Solent Sunbeam keelboat wrote: “I am astonished that the conservancy think it is safe to extend the jetty in the proposed way, totally blocking what is essentially the small boat channel along this section of the reach.”
The application received support from a number of consultees, including the: MMO Coastal Offices & MCT - South East Marine Area; Natural England; Maritime and Coastguard Agency; Environment Agency; Trinity House; Crown Estate - Marine Estates and Historic England.
The Chichester Harbour Conservancy said approval was granted by the MMO following a ‘robust and rigorous’ licensing process, including public consultation.
The MMO licensing process also included engagement with the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency, Trinity House and the Royal Yachting Association, the applicant said.