Crown Estate interest in 'Ilfracombe marina'
THE Crown Estate is poised to step in and settle the age-old debate over the development of Ilfracombe harbour — with plans for a state-of-the-art marina.
The Crown Estate has been looking with great interest at the North Devon harbour, in its role as custodian of the country's coastlines.
It has been considering a design which will not only kick start the regeneration of the town, but will be the catalyst for a massive boost to the local economy.
The Crown Estate has met with North Devon Council — owners of the harbour — within the last month, to discuss the possibilities of the trail-blazing expansion plan.
Still in its embryonic "on paper" stage, the scheme has been drawn up to include berths in the inner and outer harbour and a barrage with a lock system, to protect berthing vessels and maintain a half-tide water level within the harbour.
It also makes room for the commercial fishermen's quay on the southern side — an initial proposal favoured by the district council.
And the most vital aspect, as far as partner organisations are concerned — the northern breakwater — a crucial piece of infrastructure which will allow a car ferry service and visiting cruise ships to dock, as well as boarding points for the Waverley and Oldenburg passenger ships.
The development would be a massive step forward for Ilfracombe, which has been weighed down by a flotilla of feasibility studies in recent years, frustrating the community which sees little action taking place.
And unlike commercial developers the Crown Estate takes a philanthropic, long term view, and is unlikely to be looking for an immediate return on their investment.
District councillor Paul Yabsley is also chairman of Ilfracombe's Harbour Board. He said: "The Harbour Board is currently in very early negotiations with a potential developer for a very comprehensive development for the harbour.
"We are very excited about it, but it really is too early to count on it, until we get much further down the road.
"There will be huge financial obligations to take into consideration, but we are rising to the challenge. If this comes to fruition, it will regenerate the town in one fell swoop."
Ilfracombe harbour master Rob Lawson said: "I'm very excited about any potential developer who may have a long term plan for the benefit of Ilfracombe and the Crown Estate is one of the big players, so it's just what we need."
Town and district councillor Paul Crabb said: "For 20 years this development has been talked about, now, at last here is the Crown Estate, an organisation with the resources to turn this dream into reality."
A spokeswoman from the Crown Estate would only confirm that they had met North Devon Council – as adjacent landowners — to look at the council's plans in their capacity as owners of part of the foreshore and seabed, where some of the work would be carried out.
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by Old retainer, N Devon
Thursday, January 08 2009, 7:30PM
“Mr Shudras. You do speak the truth about the High St yobs...however, this scourge is not unique to Ilfracombe. The pervasive alcohol problem in the UK is caused by the fact that cheap alcohol is widely available in shops. My parents left Ilfracombe some years ago - because they couldn't find decent jobs - and they always said that it wasn't until they moved away that they realized that drinking really is the British national sport. It is enabled by political pressure to keep the cost of drink low. Many jurisdictions in other western countries have addressed this issue by putting high taxes on drink rather than on essential commodities like petrol. Mr. Shudras, I urge you to use your energy lobbying for positive changes such as this rather than knocking down a community. You have been doing this for too long, and you need to redirect your efforts. While I share your dislike of the Insularcombe attitude, perhaps you should accept that you're not going to change the old entrenched Not-in-my-backyard residents. Insularcombe, which I have experienced as a holidaymaker, is its own worst enemy. Locals of all ages must learn that simply greeting tourists nicely rather than with a scowl - will encourage return visits and lots of dosh being spent around town. I sense from this article that the very hard-working Councillors are finally being helped by a surge of local optimism and all us of who care about the place should give them our full support.”
by Shudras, Insularcombe
Thursday, January 08 2009, 2:20PM
“Well B. Williams, South Wales I guess you don't have to run the gauntlet of drunken abusive violent 'local' headcases we regularly entertain on the High Street and Seafront of lovely Insularcombe. If the harbour refurbishment comes off it will only be one further target for the 'locals' to try and burn down, smash up or urinate against. That said, if it prices the rubbish out of the housing market then it gets my vote.”
by B. Williams, South Wales
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 7:20PM
“Oh dear. What seems to be the problem, Shudras of Ilfracombe?
I'm sure all the other people who have contributed to this story would love to know your reasons for wishing to leave Ilfracombe, especially now as there is a good prospect of a Marina and other "stuff" to improve Ilfracombe's prosperity.
I know it might be cold at the moment, but look on the bright side!!”
by Shudras, Ilfracombe
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 4:17PM
“Fantastic news if it comes off.
The regeneration effect across the town would no doubt be substantial ... which in turn would probably mean a well needed hike in house prices.
And as soon as that happens I'll sell up and move as far away as I can.
Good luck and (hopefully) Good riddance Insularcombe!”
by Paul Yabsley Ilfracombe Harbour Board, Ilfracombe
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 6:17PM
“I am delighted by the overwhelming response to this poll. I was disappointed this was leaked at such an early stage as many of are negotiations are commercially sensitive.I do not want to build false hope. However Geoff Fowler, The Harbour Board, The Harbour Master and myself have worked hard to build on the many years of work others have done to attract developers to Ilfracombe. We have many huge hurdles to surmount to deliver this or any other scheme. We have great political support from North Devon Council and obviously from this poll the people of Ilfracombe. With the Swansea ferry due to start in 2010 and other developments in the pipeline it is very exciting for Ilfracombe.”