Purpose

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.

Content

(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.