Agenda item

 

(a)            Report on Penrhyn Point Management Plan - Arthog Community Council

 

(b)            Business Planning (Development Plan for the Harbour)  – Cllr. Rob Triggs

 

(c)           Dangerous pole and spike in Aberamffra harbour

 

(d)          Up-date on the sand situation

 

(e)           Sand  Bags / Gate at top of slip

 

(f)           Petrol  Fuel Station

 

(g)          Moorings

 

(h)          Pontoon Fingers

 

(i)            Dead Fish 

 

(Copy of details with regard to (e) – (h) above attached)

 

 

 

 

(a)  Penrhyn Point Management Plan

 

Cllr. Julian Kirkham, Arthog Community Council, thanked the Maritime and Country Parks Officer for his assistance and support in overcoming some parking issues at Penrhyn Point. 

 

However, camper vans of all sizes ignored the 'No overnight parking' sign.  It was noted that someone had turned the sign around so that it was not visible and it was asked if it was possible for the Maritime Service to re-install the sign.  It was further noted that camper vans especially larger ones, had taken to parking in the area above the slipway and ignored the sign and it was suggested that another 'No overnight parking' sign could be placed where the lifebuoy ring was.

 

It was also understood that the Transportation Department intended to erect 30 mph signs on the road to the point.  Did this mean that vehicles who had parked overnight on the main road were subject to prosecution?   It was added that there were no parking places on the turning area.   One of the members of the Community Council had investigated the by-laws regarding 'wild camping'.

 

A request was made to the Maritime and Country Parks Officer for a contact point in the Legal Department in order that Arthog Community Council Clerk could contact them to request a meeting and to investigate the possibility for Penrhyn Point to become a 'test point'.

 

It was noted that Fairbourne Railway agreed that a gate could be installed to prevent camper vans from using the area above the slipway; the Community Council's first objective was to install a gate with a lock and appropriate code, that may be given to bona fide holders for a free licence to launch their boat, having made a request to Arthog Community Council for a licence.   

 

In response, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer reported:

 

·         That the Maritime Service had invested in signage and it was agreed to place a gate here, however, an objection was received and this had to be re-considered as the road was the only access to the boat launching site at Penrhyn Point.

·         It was welcomed that the Transportation Department had agreed to erect 30 mph signs on the road to the point.   

·         That overnight parking issues existed throughout the County and it was difficult to control.

·         It was agreed that the Harbour master would erect additional signage on the site before the end of March 2017 and would repair the damaged sign before the end of 2016. 

 

Resolved: To accept and note the above.

 

(b)          Business Plan (Harbour Development Plan)

 

(i)    In response to a query regarding a harbour development plan, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer explained that the Maritime Service did not have the budget or resources to lead on developments.   

 

The Chairman noted further that the Community Steering Group was considering a wider project and it was premature to discuss a harbour development plan until the impact of the Steering Group development over the next year could be seen.

 

(ii)           In the context of a query regarding the land behind the Harbour Master's office, the Senior Harbour Officer was requested to look at the possibility of developing the land into car parking and to report back to Cllr. Rob Triggs. 

 

(iii)          Cllr. Rob Triggs noted that there was a substantial space on the quay at Aberamffra that could be used.   

 

In response, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer noted that the units at Aberamffra had by now all been sold and it would be necessary to consult with the Coastal Protection Unit regarding the condition of the wall.  It was suggested that the ideas of Cllr. Triggs (units of garages) should be discussed directly with the Senior Harbours Officer and the Harbour Master in consultation with the Coastal Protection Unit. 

 

 

(c)          Dangerous pole at the bottom of the outfall in Aberamffra Harbour

 

It was noted that an effort had been made to remove the pole, however, it was not possible to cut it.

 

 

(ch) Update regarding sand

 

The Chairman noted that a draft report was available and would be available to the public once it had been confirmed.

 

(d)          Sandbags / Gate at top of slipway

 

It was asked if it was possible close the gate at the top of the slipway especially at high tide.

 

In terms of sandbags, it was understood that the Council did not supply any sandbags and concern was highlighted that sections of Barmouth suffered from flooding and the provision of sandbags should be re-considered.   A letter was presented to the Maritime and Country Parks Officer on behalf of the owner of the Last Inn public house expressing concern regarding the above for further submission to the Coastal Protection Unit.

 

In response to the above, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer gave an assurance that there would be no difficulty with locking the gate at the top of the slipway during the winter and at high tide.  The Harbour master would ensure that the gate was locked during spring tide and opened during neap tide.

 

(dd) Petrol Fuel Station

 

A representative from the Barmouth Harbour and Estuary Users Group asked if it would be possible to consider having a petrol fuel facility for the harbour.    Whilst accepting that there were health and safety elements to consider, the facility was seen as a means of generating additional income.

 

In response, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer promised to consider the matter further in terms of risks and relevant regulations and he would report on his findings to the next meeting of this consultative committee in March 2017.

 

(e)          Moorings

 

(i)            Annual Charges - if a mooring had not been occupied was there a policy for charging a reduced rate or retaining fee?   If there was none, could the council consider such a policy?

 

In response, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer explained that if a person was keen to retain a mooring then the fee would have to be paid.   If a person could not launch due to valid reasons, the Harbour master would be flexible regarding charges.

 

(ii)            Confirmation of ground tackle specification.  Were there any stipulations for ground tackle, did this apply to all moorings or did the stipulations for temporary moorings differ from permanent moorings?   Who was responsible for moorings, temporary or permanent, if they should drag and cause damage to a third party?

 

In response, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer confirmed that the moorings had to comply with the relevant specification that included the size of the chains and anchor.   The owner of each mooring had to submit an appropriate valid certificate to the Harbour master prior to mooring any boat.   The Harbour master would not inspect every mooring as this was not the responsibility of the Maritime Service, however, in terms of Council moorings the Senior Harbours Officer and the Harbour master would inspect these.

 

Regarding the type of mooring, it was noted that the Service would consider this and confirm their decision at the next meeting.

 

It was suggested that the Harbour Master should send the mooring policy to members.

 

(iii)          Regarding concern about safety, it was requested that the Three Peaks moorings in the entrance to the harbour should be marked with an illuminated buoy. 

 

In response, in light of the fact that it was unlikely that boats would sail in during the night, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer noted that it would be possible to give a notice to mariners rather than install an illuminated buoy.  

 

 

(f)           Dead Fish

 

Concern was expressed regarding environmental issues as the remains of over 270 filleted mullet were observed littering the harbour.

 

In response, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer appreciated the receipt of this information.   It was added that persons had a duty to disclose who was responsible if they were aware of the case, and who was responsible for illegal fishing in the harbour.

 

(g)  In response to an additional enquiry regarding an improvement with receiving mooring certificates, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer noted that it was necessary to tighten certificate operations and they would be willing to discuss this further with the Senior Harbours Officer and the Harbour master. 

 

Resolved:       To request that the relevant officers act in accordance with the suggestions made above.