VIDEO
THE CONTROVERSIAL Cowes outer harbour project should still go ahead despite the project stalling over the past year.
That was the message at Cowes Harbour Commission’s annual meeting, where members were told the scheme, which would see the area transformed into a true sheltered harbour with an outer breakwater, new marina and eastern channel for smaller vessels, was still high on the commission’s agenda.
Commissioners admitted the multi-million pound South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) scheme had not progressed over the past year, due to the complexities involved in gaining consent for the project and ensuring environmental issues were taken into consideration.
But they insisted they remained committed to the project despite the fact many yachtsmen and residents remain sceptical as to its benefits and cost.
Before appointing a developer, SEEDA has to secure the consent of the government’s Marine and Fisheries Agency, the Isle of Wight Council and CHC itself — a process likely to take several months.
Another concern raised at Thursday last week’s AGM was a lack of communication between the CHC and harbour users, but chairman Jeremy Preston said steps had been taken to address the issue by putting out a newsletter, improving the website and re-forming an advisory board for harbour users.
Harbour master Stuart McIntosh said successes over the past year included the purchase of a fuel supply depot, while disappointments included the collapse of a plan to buy Kingston Wharf at East Cowes, after the site owners pulled out.
He also confirmed CHC would continue to support Cowes Week by sponsoring the event, providing a loan of up to £75,000 to Cowes Week Ltd and continuing to manage safety on the water for free.
Warning the coming year would not be an easy one financially, Mr Preston said: "We are having the same problems as everyone else. Things are down by 25 to 30 per cent on a year ago."
Reporter: emilyp@iwpcmail.co.uk
Cowes Harbour Commission video on Cowes Outer Harbour Project.
A TKZ production, visit www.cowes.co.uk
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