Decision details

This report provides an update on the progress of Weymouth Harbour’s future development, focusing on the modification of the Harbour’s Open Port Duty to allow for commercial development opportunities in line with the Council’s Government funding commitments. The proposal allows for a Harbour Revision Order (HRO) to restrict the current Open Port Duty, allowing the harbour to accommodate vessels of a specified size while ensuring compliance with Statutory Harbour Authority obligations.

(a)    That an application be made to the Marine Management Organisation for a Harbour Revision Order in respect of Weymouth Harbour to restrict the Open Port Duty

(b)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Lead for Place Services, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Place Services, to determine the wording of the Harbour Revision Order based on legal advice and to undertake all procedures for the submission of the Harbour Revision Order to the Marine Management Organisation.

(c)    That a budget o £40,000 be allocated for the work set out in (a) and (b) above from Harbours Reserves.

Reason for the decision

The decision allows Weymouth Harbour to:

·       Develop the Peninsula in line with the Harbour Business Plan and the Government funding commitments, which included public space enhancements, commercial developments, and housing.

·       Reduce the financial and operational burden imposed by the unrestricted Open Port Duty, which currently required the harbour to accommodate large commercial vessels that were no longer viable or necessary for future growth.

·       Secure long-term financial sustainability through commercial opportunities aligned with the Government funding programme.